NEW ORLEANS — Angela Charles-Alfred rallied to win in three sets on the second singles court Saturday, but it was the lone bright spot for Xavier University of Louisiana women's tennis in a 4-1 loss to Southern Miss.
     The Golden Eagles (9-2) won their third in a row and snapped the Gold Nuggets' win streaks of 10 matches overall and 10 home matches.
     But Charles-Alfred, a sophomore and an NAIA All-American a year ago, was up to the challenge. She defeated Rikeetha Pereira 3-6, 6-1, 6-4. Pereira entered with a 7-1 record this spring and five consecutive singles victories.
     "I put the ball on the court," Charles-Alfred said in comparing the final two sets to the first. "I did not let (Pereira) take over. I tried to be the one who dominated the points. This was one of my most satisfying wins because this is a good (NCAA) DI (program)."
     Southern Miss won 4-of-5 singles matches. The doubles matches were not played. The Golden Eagles clinched when Ebru Zeynep Yazgan defeated Lacee Ancar 6-3, 6-2 on the fifth court.
     Not playing for XULA was All-American Mariia Borodii, who rested an injury.
     Next for the XULA women and men will be Lewis-Clark State at 3 p.m. Thursday at XULA Tennis Center. The NAIA will announce new coaches polls Tuesday.