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By: Stephen Williams

FLORENCE, S.C. – The seventh-ranked and top-seeded Columbus State University women's tennis team opened play at the Peach Belt Conference Tournament Friday with a 5-0 win over eighth-seeded USC Aiken. The tournament is being played at the Dr. Eddie Floyd Florence Tennis Center.
 
With the victory, the Lady Cougars advance to the semifinal round Saturday where they will take on fifth-seeded Francis Marion. First serve is set for 9 a.m.
 
"It's good to get the first match under our belt," head coach Evan Isaacs said. "The girls played well today and took care of business quickly. Now we can rest and get ready for a tough match tomorrow."
 
Columbus State (20-2) rolled through doubles play to begin the day. The fifth-ranked tandem of Beatriz Leon and Beatriz Lopez cruised 8-2 at the top spot. Camila Tobar and Kirsa Utech turned in an 8-1 win at second doubles, and Rachael Williams and Giorgia Vitale capped the sweep with an 8-2 victory in the third spot.
 
It didn't take long for the Lady Cougars to wrap up the match, getting a pair of clean sweeps to clinch the match. Lopez and Tobar won 6-0, 6-0 at second and fourth singles, respectively.
 
In the unfinished matches, Vitale, Olivera Tadijin and Saravinder Pannu were battling in the first set, while Utech was down a set at first singles.
 
Singles competition
1. #29 Kirsa Utech (CSU-W) vs. Nadine Tusiama (USCA) 0-6, 0-1, unfinished
2. #43 Beatriz Lopez (CSU-W) def. Brigitta Mirak (USCA) 6-0, 6-0
3. #21 Giorgia Vitale (CSU-W) vs. Kayla Calvert (USCA) 4-4, unfinished
4. Camila Tobar (CSU-W) def. Victoria Giannaccini (USCA) 6-0, 6-0
5. Olivera Tadijin (CSU-W) vs. Marie Habiyaremye (USCA) 5-5, unfinished
6. Saravinder Pannu (CSU-W) vs. Alice Neves (USCA) 3-5, unfinished
 
Doubles competition
1. #5 Beatriz Leon/Beatriz Lopez (CSU-W) def. Olivera Veskovac/Marie Habiyaremye (USCA) 8-2
2. Camila Tobar/Kirsa Utech (CSU-W) def. Kayla Calvert/Brigitta Mirak (USCA) 8-1
3. Rachael Williams/Giorgia Vitale (CSU-W) def. Nadine Tusiama/Victoria Giannaccini (USCA) 8-2