MIAMI (Jan. 29, 2021) - After nearly a year away from the courts, the FIU women's tennis team is set to return with its season-opener on Saturday, Jan. 30, as the Panthers travel to Florida Gulf Coast.

First serve between the Panthers and Eagles is set for 2 p.m. ET from the FGCU Tennis Complex. The contest will be open to fans at a limited capacity. 

WELCOME BACK
Entering the ninth-season of the Katarina Petrovic era at FIU, the Panthers are eager to return to the courts after posting an 8-2 record overall prior to the season ending due to the COVID-19 pandemic. FIU's Basak Akbas, Kamila Umarova and Kristina Miletic all return in 2021, after each Panther earned 11 wins overall in singles play last season. The Panthers also welcome freshmen Andjela Skrobonja and Andreea Velcea, who vaulted FIU's recruiting class to 21st in the nation last summer. 

SCOUTING FGCU
Saturday's match will also be FGCU's season opener, as the Eagles kickoff a six-match homestand. FGCU returns its top singles player Maja Ornberg to the lineup, while looking for help from Ida Ferding, who led the team with six singles wins as a freshman in 2020. 

UP NEXT
After Saturday's season opener, the Panthers will be off until Saturday, Feb. 20, as FIU opens the home slate against North Florida. First serve is set for Noon.

SOCIAL MEDIA
Get all the latest information on the team by following @FIUWTennis on Instagram and @FIUWTN on Facebook and Twitter. General athletic news can also be found at @FIUSports on Facebook and @FIUAthletics on Twitter and Instagram.