LAKE CHARLES, La. – Lamar University got singles wins from Jasmin Buchta and Kaela Di Giulio but fell short to rival McNeese, 5-2, Tuesday afternoon in a match that was originally scheduled to be played last Saturday. The loss drops the Cardinals to 4-14 on the season and 2-7 in Southland Conference action.
 
Trailing 1-0 after the doubles competition, McNeese added to its lead by picking up the first singles match of the day. Sophomore Jasmin Buchta put a stop to the run momentarily with her win at No. 1 singles. Buchta rolled through her match posting scores of 6-1 and 6-3 to get past the Cowgirls' Giovanna Fioretti.
 
Di Giulio would pick up the next Cardinal victory with a straight-sets decision over McNeese's Marija Mastiloivc, 7-5, 6-1, on court No. 4. Unfortunately for the Cardinals, McNeese recorded wins on courts 3 and 2, respectively, prior to Di Giulio's decision for the team win.
 
The Cowgirls closed out the match with a three-set decision at No. 6 singles.
 
"We had some opportunities today but didn't take advantage," said LU head coach David Wong. "The score is not indicative of how close the match really was. Hats off to McNeese today – they entered the day ready to play, and fought hard."
 
The Cardinals return to action Saturday when they will host Southeastern Louisiana. The match against the Lady Lions will begin at noon from the Thompson Family Tennis Center.
 
-LU CARDINALS-