The Lady Colonel tennis team set the outlook for the rest of their season when they traveled to Southern University in Baton Rouge, defeating them in non-conference women’s tennis action held on Monday afternoon. The match was the season opener for both teams and featured the college coaching debut of Colonel mentor Dale Duronslet and the collegiate playing debuts of five Lady Colonels.

“It feels good to get the first one out of the way,” Duronslet said. “I am proud of the way my team took care of business today. The conditions were a little windy and blustery but we were able to pull through.”

Senior Rachel Wade and sophomore Viktoria Hizo each picked up a pair of wins on the afternoon as Hizo won her first singles match 6-0, 6-2 and teamed with Wade to prevail at first doubles by an 8-1 count. Wade, the teams lone returnee, won at fourth singles 6-3, 6-3.

Other singles winners for NSU (1-0) included freshman Jennifer Rodriguez, Antonia Lazar, and Emily Debuille.

The team returns to action Wednesday afternoon as it takes on Louisiana-Lafayette in Lafayette at 1:30 p.m.