MIAMI — FIU's women's tennis program secured a 4-3 victory over Delaware on Sunday afternoon at the PayCargo Tennis Center in Conference USA (CUSA) play.

The Panthers (5-7) continued conference action following their matchup against Middle Tennessee on Friday, carrying that momentum into a dominant double's performance against the Blue Hens. FIU claimed the doubles point with victories at Nos. 1 and 3, then took control in singles with three wins at Nos. 2, 3, and 6 to seal the match.

In doubles,  the 66^th nationally ranked duo of Katerina Mandelikova and Viktorie Hazmukova set the tone with a 6-2 win on Court 1. Delaware responded with a win at No. 2 to even the score at 1-1. With the point coming down to Court 3, Maria Lucia Araoz-Gosn and Aleksandra Simeva delivered a composed 6-3 victory, giving FIU an early 1-0 advantage.

FIU continued its momentum in singles play. Vittoria Baccino struck first with a dominant 6-2, 6-3 victory at No. 3. Simeva followed suit with a steady 6-3, 6-3 win at No. 6 to give the Panthers a 3-0 lead.

Before FIU could secure the clinching point, Delaware responded with wins at Nos. 4 and 5 to cut the deficit to 3-2. With the match tightening, the final two courts went to decisive third sets.

In a hard-fought battle at No. 2, Jelena Vico clinched the match for FIU with a 1-6, 6-2, 6-3 victory. 

UP NEXT
FIU will wrap up its homestand by hosting the DePaul Blue Demons on Wednesday, March 25 at noon at the PayCargo Tennis Center.

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