Women’s Tennis: Cremers Leads Cajuns at NSU Invitational

Jeff Schneider, October 13, 2013

Contact: Jeff Schneider
 
NATCHITOCHES, La. – Freshman Julie Cremers outlasted senior teammate Sandra Ahlqvist, 7-5, 3-6 (7), to claim the Fight 5 singles championship on the final day of the Northwestern State Invitational on Saturday.
 
"It’s never easy getting to a final, and it’s even tougher when you have to play a friend and teammate," head coach Greg Harkins said. "It was a tremendous battle, and the outcome was in the balance until the very end. This kind of performance made both the players stronger. Neither girl gave up much today.  The clock just ran out or they would still be out there battling. We look forward to having them side-by-side in the spring. They will be a formidable pair in the line up."
 
Sophomore Juliette Clement had a successful weekend making it to the finals of Flight 6. Clement also won two of three doubles matches with teammate Melissa Burckhartt.
 
"Juliette has been putting in the extra time on and off court, and it’s paying off," Harkins mentioned. "She is excited and passionate about the game. It showed in her effort this weekend."
 
The third round of singles play saw sophomore’s Nicole Breaux and Melissa Burckhartt go the distance.
 
In Flight 2, Breaux fell in a heart-breaker, 6-3, 1-6, (10-6), to Houston’s Celia Fraser.
 
"Celia is a senior who held line 2 for a strong Cougar squad last year," Harkins added. "Nicole is willing and able for whatever comes her way. Today’s effort will be rewarded come spring."
 
Burckhartt picked up a 7-6 (1), 3-6, (10-8) win over Northwestern State’s Petya Simeonova in a Flight 3 match.
 
"It’s was a thriller," Harkins stated. "Melissa pulled it out in the tiebreaker. She is very talented, so its easy to forget how competitive she is inside. Today’s effort was won through pride and determination. She refused to lose. This was Melissa’s first event of the season and it was great to have her back on court.
 
"This weekend was about match play on the court and growing as a team off court. We are making progress and the girls are encouraged and optimistic. They understand the journey will not be easy, but are willing to take the road less traveled. The miles may be hard but the experience will be successful."  
 
For updates on women’s tennis follow the squad on twitter @CajunW10ns.