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By: Josh Fuller

FLORENCE, S.C.  – Facing its fifth ranked foe in six matches, the seventh-ranked Columbus State University women's tennis team defeated 37^th-ranked Francis Marion 6-3 Saturday. The match was played at the Kassab Courts in Florence, S.C.

"It was good to get two conference road wins this weekend," stated head coach Evan Isaacs. "We need this week off to get ready for the stretch run."
 
Columbus State (15-2, 10-0 PBC) won all three doubles matches to gain control of the match. Beatriz Leon and Olivera Tadijin got the first win of the day for CSU at second doubles winning 8-3. Recording another win, 19^th-ranked Camila Tobar and Giorgia Vitale took first doubles 8-6. Kirsa Utech and Rachael Williams also took their match at third doubles by the score of 8-6.

Singles play was much more competitive as the two teams split the six matches. First singles was a top-25 showdown that needed three sets to decide the winner. In the end, 21^st-ranked Vitale fell to the 25^th-ranked player in the nation 2-6, 7-6 (9-7), 10-3. FMU also won second singles in an upset 6-0, 7-5 victory over 29^th-ranked Utech.
 
The Lady Cougars were able to win third, fourth and fifth singles. Tobar played a tight 7-5 first set at third singles, but turned it on in the second set to grab the 7-5, 6-1 win. Leon was in control of fourth singles the entire match winning 6-4, 6-1, while Olivera Tadijin won a tight 6-4, 7-5 match at fifth singles. Francis Marion recorded its final win at the sixth spot as Saravinder Pannu fell 6-4, 6-3.

Columbus State will have a full week off before returning back to action on Sunday, April 9 against Montevallo. The match will begin at 2 p.m. in Montevallo, Ala.


Singles
1. #25 Samantha Koelliker (FMU) def. #21 Giorgia Vitale (CSU) 2-6, 7-6 (9-7), 10-3
2. Marie Krueger (FMU) def. #29 Kirsa Utech (CSU) 6-0, 7-5
3. Camila Tobar (CSU) def. Eva Lieben (FMU) 7-5, 6-1
4. Beatriz Leon (CSU) def. Sofia Henning (FMU) 6-4, 6-1
5. Olivera Tadijin (CSU) def. Anna Wintrich (FMU) 6-4, 7-5
6. Theresa Hammerschlag (FMU) def. Saravinder Pannu (CSU) 6-4, 6-3
 
Doubles
1. #19 Camila Tobar/Giorgia Vitale (CSU) def. Samantha Koelliker/Marie Krueger (FMU) 8-6
2. Beatriz Leon/Olivera Tadijin (CSU) def. Eva Lieben/Anilu Barraza Araiza (FMU) 8-3
3. Kirsa Utech/Rachael Williams (CSU) def. Sofia Henning/Anna Wintrich (FMU) 8-6