NEW ORLEANS — It was a double whammy Tuesday for the Xavier University of Louisiana women's tennis team. First the Gold Nuggets dropped out of the NAIA top 25 for the first time since February 2004. Then they lost their ninth consecutive dual match — 9-0 to SCAD Atlanta at the University of New Orleans Tennis Center.The Gold Nuggets (2-11) had appeared in 44 consecutive top 25s dating to Feb. 25, 2004, but missed by 10 points this time and fell to 27th overall.
SCAD Atlanta (8-2) — an NAIA independent in its first year of intercollegiate sports but ineligible for rankings or the postseason until 2011-12 — dropped only one set in winning its fifth dual in a row. The closest match was at No. 3 singles, where Christina Swindall defeated XU's Nicole DeLoach 2-6, 7-6 (7-2), 1-0 (10-4).
Once again, because of only five available players, Xavier was forced to default at No. 3 doubles and No. 6 singles. The good news was that senior Ashley McGill returned to action for the first time in six duals after completing her basketball eligibility Friday.
Xavier's women and men will return to the courts Friday in a 3:30 p.m. makeup match against city rival Loyola at City Park Tennis Center.
By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
Xavier University of Louisiana
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