BEAUMONT, Texas – Lamar University had no problem in its home-opener – a doubleheader against Alcorn State – Saturday afternoon at the Thompson Family Tennis Center. The Cardinals jumped out to a big lead in the first match winning 6-1 and came back in the afternoon to record a 4-0 victory in the second.
 
The Cardinals (2-1) dominated the doubles point in the first set taking matches on courts 3 (6-0) and 2 (6-2) to secure the first point of the day. The match at line one was close but the duo of Asta Miettinen and Megan Do prevailed with a 7-5 decision.
 
Lamar never relinquished momentum during the transition to singles as Martina Alcaino recorded a quick two-set victory at No. 5 singles over Alcorn's Aanya Roo, 6-1, 6-0. Moments later Luana Paiva followed suit with a 6-3, 6-0 decision over Nataliya Nikolic.
 
With the Cardinals holding a 3-0 lead, they needed only one more victory for the overall team win and they didn't have to wait long or sweat it out as LU took the three matches in straight sets before the Lady Braves scored a point from a three-setter at No. 6.
 
With the first victory of the day in the books, the Cardinals could now set their sights on the sweep and that is exactly what they did. Big Red was again dominant in all three doubles matches to take an early 1-0 lead.
 
With the two teams agreeing to play a clinch format in singles, Paiva got the Cardinals one step closer with her 6-0, 6-1 victory over Roo at No. 5 singles. Miettinen and Do closed out the victory and the day with consecutive wins at Nos. 2 and 3 singles.
 
The Red and White will now turn their attention to SMU where the Cardinals will be on Thursday, Jan. 30^th. The match against the Mustangs is slated to begin at 10 a.m.