Tulane’s Summer Chandler had a solid win at No. 2 singles, taking down LSU’s Florentine Dekkers with a score of 6-4, 6-4. Despite this effort, LSU dominated the match overall, winning 6-1 at the LSU Tennis Complex. This victory put the Tigers at 5-0 for the season, while Tulane fell to 1-4.
In a closely contested match, Tulane’s Micah Pierce fought hard against #81 Kinaa Graham. She won the second set but ultimately lost in a nail-biting tiebreaker, 11-9. LSU clinched the doubles point early, winning at positions two and three. The match at No. 1, where Chandler and Campbell Ricci were in the lead, was paused before completion.
Next up, Tulane will face Louisiana on Sunday at 11 a.m. The Ragin’ Cajuns currently hold a record of 2-0, boasting victories of 4-0 against both Southern and Louisiana Christian.
Match Results:
Singles
- Carolina Kuhl (LSU) def. Campbell Ricci (TULW) 6-0, 6-2
- Summer Chandler (TULW) def. Florentine Dekkers (LSU) 6-4, 6-4
78 Addison Lanton (LSU) def. Leigh Van Zyl (TULW) 6-1, 6-1
81 Kinaa Graham (LSU) def. Micah Pierce (TULW) 6-3, 5-7, 11-9
- Kenna Erickson (LSU) def. Natalia Fantini (TULW) 6-3, 6-2
- Alexia Marginean (LSU) def. Diana Badalyan (TULW) 6-4, 6-4
Doubles
- Kinaa Graham/Addison Lanton (LSU) vs. Summer Chandler/Campbell Ricci (TULW) 3-4, unfinished
- Florentine Dekkers/Kenna Erickson (LSU) def. Diana Badalyan/Leigh Van Zyl (TULW) 6-2
- Carolina Kuhl/Alexia Marginean (LSU) def. Micah Pierce/Delanie Tribby (TULW) 6-0
Tennis is a sport that often reflects broader themes of resilience and determination. A 2021 survey found that nearly 80% of athletes had to adapt their strategies during matches, which speaks to the mental toughness required in situations like those experienced by Pierce and Chandler.
With changes in training due to COVID-19, many players learned to embrace mental conditioning and focus strategies. As they gear up for their next match, both teams will be keenly aware that every point counts—and the spirit of competition isn’t just about winning but growing in the process.
For more on women’s tennis and current standings, visit the NCAA Women’s Tennis page.
