Nuggets, despite rain delay, defeat Bees at nationals

MOBILE, Alabama — Xavier University of Louisiana women's tennis endured a weather delay of more than six hours Wednesday before defeating SCAD Savannah 6-1 in the round of 16 at the NAIA National Championships.
     
The delay, caused by a lengthy afternoon thunderstorm, postponed all the men's matches. XULA's Gold Rush will play Middle Georgia at 8 a.m. Thursday at Copeland-Cox Mobile Tennis Center. Admission is free all week.
     
The Gold Nuggets (18-7) will play LSU-Alexandria in the quarterfinals at noon Thursday. LSUA defeated William Carey 5-3.
     
XULA won 2-of-3 doubles matches during the morning before the delay, then got singles victories during the evening from Manon Bonada, Charlene Goreau, Farah Baklouti and Yi Chen Pao. Baklouti clinched with her 6-1, 6-2 victory against Karina Rovira.
     
"Manon and Farah both stepped up today. They played one spot up in the lineup and really elevated their games," XULA coach Alan Green said. "We will need for them to continue to provide that for the team in order for us to be successful.
     
XULA, ranked and seeded third, improved its school-record win streak to 15. The Gold Nuggets denied SCAD Savannah, ranked ninth and seeded 14th, a sixth straight berth in the quarterfinals. XULA is 11-1 this season against top-20 opponents.

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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