BEAUMONT, Texas – Junior Noelia Lorca rallied from an opening-set loss to defeat Nicholls' Simona Maksimovic, 2-6, 6-0, 6-3, to secure Lamar University's 4-3 victory over the Colonels Thursday afternoon at the Beaumont Municipal Tennis Center. With the victory, the Cardinals improve to 9-6 overall and 1-0 in Southland Conference play.
 
The Cardinals rallied from early deficits on courts 2 and 3 doubles to pull within a game on both courts, but Nicholls held on to pick up wins on both to take the point and the early lead. Nicholls' momentum was short lived however as Lamar won the first set on four of the six singles courts.
 
LU turned that momentum switch into early offense as the Cardinals picked up straight-set victories from senior Femke Tjon-A-Joe (at No. 1) and freshman Megan Do (at No. 6) to stake claim to their first lead of the day. Junior Ana Jolic put Lamar on the doorstep of a team win with her straight-sets decision on court No. 3. Jolic defeated Nicholls' Dareen Hassan, 6-3, 6-4, to give Big Red a 3-1 lead.
 
Similar to how LU had an answer following doubles play, the Colonels fought their way out of a corner as well with consecutive wins at Nos. 5 and 4 singles, respectively, to tie the match at 3. With the match tied, all focus was placed on Lorca and Maksimovic on court 2.
 
After dropping the first set, 6-2, Lorca came out fighting in the second taking a 6-0 decision to force a third. In the third set Lorca overwhelmed her opponent recording a 2-6, 6-0, 6-3 decision.
 
The Cardinals return to action Friday, Mar. 31, when they travel to Natchitoches, La., to take on Northwestern State. The match against the Demons will begin at 1 p.m.