NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana women's tennis struggled last season against ranked NAIA opponents, but not yet this year.
        The Gold Nuggets notched their third victory in four attempts against that group: a 6-1 home decision Sunday against city rival Loyola. XULA is ranked sixth in the NAIA, and the Wolf Pack are 14th.
        Last season the XULA women were 3-10 against ranked NAIA opponents and did not earn the third victory until May 18 at the national tournament.
        Loyola won the doubles point, then XULA won all six singles matches, including three-set victories by Mbali Langa on the first court and McKenna Wheatley on the sixth. Juliette Finch clinched on court two with her 6-4, 6-3 victory against Fatima Vasquez.
        Langa beat Lucy Carpenter, No. 23 in last season's final ITA NAIA singles rankings, 1-6, 6-3, 7-5.
        Overall XULA is 4-2 with a four-dual win streak, and Loyola is 1-3.