MIAMI — FIU's women's tennis program secured a 4-2 victory over Tulane on Thursday afternoon at the PayCargo Tennis Center, marking the 200th career win for head coach Katarina Petrovic in her 14th season at the helm.

The Panthers (8-8) came out strong with a gritty doubles performance against the Green Wave's, capturing the point with wins at Nos. 2 and 3. FIU carried that momentum into singles play, where victories at Nos. 1, 3, and 4 sealed the match and secured the milestone win for Petrovic, who has led the program to national prominence, three consecutive Conference USA championships, and multiple NCAA Tournament appearances.

In doubles action, Tulane struck first with a win at No. 1. Jelena Vico and Vittoria Baccino responded at No. 2 with a 7-5 victory to even the score. With the doubles point on the line, Maria Lucia Araoz-Gosn and Aleksandra Simeva faced a high-pressure tiebreak at No. 3 and delivered, securing a 7-6(6) win to give FIU an early 1-0 advantage.

Tulane claimed the opening point of singles play with a win at No. 5, but FIU quickly answered as Vico delivered a dominant 6-1, 6-2 victory at No. 3. The Green Wave's responded at No. 6 to even the score once again. Araoz-Gosn was next to strike at No. 4 with an outstanding 6-3, 6-0 win, putting FIU ahead 3-2. 

With one point needed, Katerina Mandelikova closed out the match at No. 1 with a marathon 6-2, 5-7, 6-3 victory, clinching both the team victory and a historic milestone for head coach Katarina Petrovic.

Baccino's match on Court 2 went unfinished at 7-6, 5-7, 3-3 when the match was clinched.

UP NEXT
FIU hits the road again, traveling to Houston, Texas, to face South Florida on Saturday, April 4 at noon, followed by a matchup against No. 57 Rice on Sunday, April 5 at noon at the George R. Brown 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.