MIAMI —  FIU's women's tennis program secured a 4-1 victory over Middle Tennessee on Friday afternoon at the PayCargo Tennis Center in Conference USA (CUSA) play.

The Panthers (4-7) returned to the win column in convincing fashion, using a dominant singles performance to overpower the Blue Raiders. Despite dropping a tightly contested doubles point, FIU responded by winning four straight singles matches, all in straight sets, at Nos. 1, 2, 4, and 5 to seal the victory.

In doubles, Maria Lucia Araoz-Gosn and Aleksandra Simeva picked up a 6-4 win at No. 3. With the point coming down to Court 1, the nationally ranked duo of Katerina Mandelikova and Viktorie Hazmukova, recently tabbed No. 66 in the ITA doubles rankings, battled but ultimately fell 7-5, giving Middle Tennessee the early 1-0 advantage.

FIU quickly flipped the momentum in singles play. Mandelikova opened the scoring with a dominant 6-2, 6-0 victory at No. 1. Araoz-Gosn followed with a commanding 6-0, 6-2 win at No. 4 to give the Panthers a 2-1 lead.

Jelena Vico extended the advantage with a 6-3, 6-3 win at No. 2, putting FIU one point away from clinching. Hazmukova sealed the match shortly after, earning a 6-4, 6-2 victory at No. 5.

UP NEXT
FIU continues Conference USA play at home, hosting Delaware on Sunday, March 22 at noon from the PayCargo Tennis Center.

SOCIAL MEDIA
Fans are encouraged to follow the Panthers on Instagram (@FIUWTENNIS), Twitter (@FIUWTENNIS), and Facebook (Facebook.com\FIUWTN) for all the latest Women's Tennis news.

General athletic news can also be found at @FIUSports on Facebook and @FIUAthletics on Twitter and Instagram.