MIAMI - The FIU Golden Panthers (1-0) opened the season in impression fashion with a 7-0 victory against the FAU Owls (0-1) Thursday afternoon at the FIU Tennis Courts.
"Overall it was a great start to the season," said Head Coach Melissa Applebaum. "It was important for us to go out there and get the nerves out of our system with this being an emotional week for us."
FIU opened up the match by sweeping the doubles point against the Owls. The tandem of Liset Brito and Maria Vallasciani clinched the point at the No. 2 spot against Justin Humair and Natalia Totevska, 8-2.
In singles competition FIU jumped out to an early advantage when sophomore Chrissie Serendi took down Totevska at the No. 2 spot in straight sets, 6-1, 6-0. Not to be outdone, Vallasciani out-dueled Natasha Basma at the No. 6 spot, 6-1, 6-2 to give the Golden Panthers a 3-0 advantage in the match.
After junior Liset Brito gave the Golden Panthers more breathing room with her 6-1, 6-2 victory at the No. 1 position, senior Priscilla Castillo put the match away for FIU when she clinched the match with her 6-0, 7-5 win against Cassie Bergeson.
"Early in the season it's real important to work out the kinks in order to excel later on in the season," said Applebaum. "I feel they really fought hard and competed beautifully out there. They really believed in themselves on the court."
The FIU women's tennis team will return to the courts on Saturday, January 23 when they welcome conference rival Troy to the FIU Tennis Courts. First serve is set for 11 a.m. Admission is free and open to the public.
Tennis Match Results
Florida Atlantic vs FIU Golden Panthers
Jan 21, 2010 at Miami, Fla.
#32 FIU Golden Panthers 7, Florida Atlantic 0
Singles competition
1. Brito, Liset (FIU) def. Humair, Justin (FAU) 6-1, 6-2
2. Seredni, Christine (FIU) def. Totevska, Natalia (FAU) 6-1, 6-0
3. Spenceley, Maria (FIU) def. Wimmer, Dominique (FAU) 6-2, 6-4
4. Castillo, Priscilla (FIU) def. Bergeson, Cassie (FAU) 6-0, 7-5
5. Pazo, Maria (FIU) def. Mrakova, Erika (FAU) 4-6, 6-1, 10-6
6. Vallasciani, Maria (FIU) def. Basma, Natasha (FAU) 6-1, 6-2
Doubles competition
1. Brito, Liset/Vallasciani, Maria (FIU) def. Humair, Justin/Totevska, Natalia (FAU) 8-2
2. Pazo, Maria/Castillo, Priscilla (FIU) def. Phillips, Natasha/Mrakova, Erika (FAU) 8-1
3. Spenceley, Maria/Holt, Magali (FIU) def. Bergeson, Cassie/Wimmer, Dominique (FAU) 8-4
Florida Atlantic 0-1
FIU Golden Panthers 1-0; National ranking #32
Official: Dave Leboutillier T-3:00 A-120
