MIDLOTHIAN, Texas (March 1, 2023) – Lubbock Christian University claimed second win in program history (NCAA era) over a nationally ranked opponent and their first against an opponent ranked in the top-25, as the Lady Chaps surged late for a 4-3 win over No.22 Southern Arkansas Friday in a neutral site contest. The win improved LCU to 10-0 this season.
 
SAU was on the verge to take a 3-1 lead, as No.42 nationally ranked Andrea De Bernardo was trailing 5-1 in the third set, but she rallied back in the No.1-singles match to force a tiebreaker, which she won for a 7-5 set win to win the point. SAU did garner the win in No.2 singles for a 3-2 advantage, but Mariia Koroleva (No.5 singles) and Anastasiia Opolska (No.6 singles) won the final two singles matches to clinch the dual victory for LCU.
 
The opening point proved big, as LCU won two of the three doubles matches. Axelle Jacquemin and Anastasiia Khrustaleva (No.2-doubles) and Michelle Trochez and De Bernardo (No.3-doubles) each won their doubles matches to claim the doubles point for the Lady Chaps. Jacquemin and Khrustaleva were teamed together for the first time this season.
 
Koroleva won her sixth consecutive singles match and improved to 12-2 in singles on the season (7-0 in duals). De Bernardo and Opolska each claimed their 13^th singles win of the season, which co-leads the squad with Maya Adler. De Bernardo and Trochez teamed for their 12^th win of the season (12-3) and have won their last four doubles matches.
 
LCU improved to 3-4 all-time against nationally ranked opponents. Their prior win against a nationally ranked opponent came April 20, 2023 against No.32 Midwestern State (4-3 win) at the LSC Championship in Arlington, Texas. SAU fell to 6-1 with the loss.
 
The Lady Chaps head to Bent Tree Country Club Tennis Center in Dallas Saturday for a 2 p.m. dual against Southeastern Oklahoma State.