Women's tennis team upsets No. 3 Xavier, men fall against No. 10 Gold Rush

Loyola scores a historic win for the program, taking down Xavier for the first time since January 2018.

NEW ORLEANS – The Loyola University New Orleans men's and women's tennis tennis teams took on top-ranked Xavier at the XULA Tennis Center on Saturday, and it was a memorable day in the young season for the Wolf Pack. 

The Wolf Pack women's team (2-3), ranked No. 21 in the NAIA, pulled off a huge 4-3 upset of Xavier, ranked No. 3. In the men's match, the No. 10 Gold Rush were victorious over Loyola (1-3) with a result of 7-0. 

It's the first time Loyola has beaten Xavier since Jan. 28, 2018, and it's the first win against a Top 3 team in program history. 

"This is a historic win for our program," said head coach Matthew Llewellyn. "We've been through so much over the past few years. I'm happy they get to share this experience. There is no team in the country that deserves it more"

The Loyola women started off the match with a strong performance in doubles, with Lucy Carpenter and Fatima Vasquez cruising to a 6-1 win at No. 1 doubles. Then, Elly Carpenter and Madelynn Chavez won 6-4 on Court 2 to claim the doubles point for the Pack. 

In singles, Isabella Leao secured the first point for Loyola with a 6-1, 6-2 win on Court 5, followed immediately by Fatima Vasquez with a 6-1, 6-4 win on Court 2. Xavier came back to tie the match at 3-3, but Selma Fereres was able to clinch the match on Court 6, outlasting XULA's Lindsey Dixon in three sets: 3-6, 6-1, 6-4. 

"Our ladies showed incredible fight and resilience today," said Llewellyn. "They supported each other well which made the difference through tough times. I'm very proud of them. And credit to XULA. They always bring the passion and are a great team."

Loyola's men's team was coming off of a tough loss against NCAA DI program UNO and faced another challenge against Xavier, which is now 3-1 on the season. 

"I'm really pleased with how our men bounced back today," Llewellyn said. "They competed well and showed a lot of positivity that we will build around."

Xavier won every singles match in straight sets, though Francisco Arce Vieyra and Theo Debackere were able to force tiebreaks in their matches. Arce and Herman Aure went to a tiebreak at No. 2 doubles but ultimately fell, as XULA took all three doubles matches. 

"Xavier always brings a great level and culture, which is why they are a perennial top program in NAIA," said Llewellyn. "I'm excited to grow with this men's team and continue to build the foundation around our outstanding young men. Both teams are learning to play for each other and will continue to grow."

Loyola's men's and women's tennis teams will now prepare to face Dillard, which is playing its first tennis season in 17 years. The match is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 16 at noon in New Orleans City Park.  

You can keep up with the Pack by following Wolf Pack Athletics on Facebook at Facebook.com/LoyolaWolfPack, Twitter and Instagram @LoyolaWolfPack, and by checking out our website at LoyolaWolfPack.com.

Men's Results

Loyola – 0

No. 10 Xavier  – 7

Doubles
1. Jacobi Bain/Megh Patel (XULAM) def. Remus Hebhang-Balan/Aubin Duchier (LOYNO) 6-2

2. Juan Varon/Juan Ramirez (XULAM) def. Herman Aure/Francisco Arce Vieyra (LOYNO) 7-6 (7-3)

3. Guillermo Coiras/Dedric Ray (XULAM) def. Diego Rodriguez Tobar/Theo Debackere (LOYNO) 6-0

Order of finish: 3, 1, 2

Singles
1. #17 Santiago Perez (XULAM) def. Francisco Arce Vieyra (LOYNO) 6-4, 7-6 (7-4)

2. Juan Ramirez (XULAM) def. Remus Hebhang-Balan (LOYNO) 6-2, 6-3

3. Megh Patel (XULAM) def. Aubin Duchier (LOYNO) 6-1, 6-1

4. Jacobi Bain (XULAM) def. Theo Debackere (LOYNO) 7-6 (7-4), 7-5

5. Guillermo Coiras (XULAM) def. Herman Aure (LOYNO) 6-0, 6-1

6. Dedric Ray (XULAM) def. Diego Rodriguez Tobar (LOYNO) 6-3, 6-1

Order of finish: 3, 5, 6, 2, 1, 4

Women's Results

No. 21 Loyola – 4

No. 3 Xavier – 3

Doubles
1. #10 Lucy Carpenter/Fatima Vasquez (LOYNO) def. Valentina Largacha/Kareemah Muhammad (XULAW) 6-1

2. Elly Carpenter/Madelynn Chavez (LOYNO) def. Tianna Dixon/Valaine Clarke (XULAW) 6-4

3. Lindsey Dixon/Bailey Whitley (XULAW) def. Isabella Leaño/Selma Fereres (LOYNO) 7-6 (7-4)

Order of finish: 1, 2, 3

Singles
1. Kareemah Muhammad (XULAW) def. Lucy Carpenter (LOYNO) 6-3, 3-6, 6-4

2. Fatima Vasquez (LOYNO) def. Valaine Clarke (XULAW) 6-1, 6-4

3. Tianna Dixon (XULAW) def. Elly Carpenter (LOYNO) 6-3, 6-1

4. Valentina Largacha (XULAW) def. Madelynn Chavez (LOYNO) 4-6, 6-3, 6-2

5. Isabella Leaño (LOYNO) def. Bailey Whitley (XULAW) 6-1, 6-2

6. Selma Fereres (LOYNO) def. Lindsey Dixon (XULAW) 3-6, 6-1, 6-4

Order of finish: 3, 5, 2, 1, 4, 6