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By: Stephen Williams

FLORENCE, S.C. – The seventh-ranked and top-seeded Columbus State University women's tennis team will return to the Peach Belt Conference championship after a 5-0 sweep of 37^th-ranked and fifth-seeded Francis Marion Saturday. The tournament is being played at the Dr. Eddie Floyd Florence Tennis Center.
 
The victory sends the Lady Cougars to the championship match for the seventh consecutive season. CSU will take on fourth-ranked and second-seeded Armstrong State on Sunday at 9 a.m.
 
"This was another good day for the ladies," head coach Evan Isaacs said. "We came out and took care of business for the second straight day and were able to get one step closer to another one of our goals for this season."
 
As it did in the quarterfinal round, Columbus State jumped on the board early with a sweep of doubles play.
 
Camila Tobar and Kirsa Utech worked quickly for an 8-2 victory at second doubles before Rachael Williams and Giorgia Vitale turned in an 8-5 win at the third spot. The fifth-ranked duo of Beatriz Leon and Beatriz Lopez needed an extra game, but came out on top 9-7 at first doubles to give CSU a 3-0 lead.
 
Needing just two wins to advance, the Lady Cougars got straight-set wins at fourth and fifth singles. Camila Tobar got on the board first with a 6-4, 6-0 win at fourth and Olivera Tadijin capped the day with a 6-2, 6-2 win at fifth.
 
Beatriz Lopez and Saravinder Pannu were each up a set when play was stopped. Kirsa Utech and Giorgia Vitale each dropped first sets and were battling in the second.
 
Singles competition
1. #29 Kirsa Utech (CSU-W) vs. #25 Samantha Koelliker (FMU_W) 5-7, 0-2, unfinished
2. #43 Beatriz Lopez (CSU-W) vs. Eva Lieben (FMU_W) 6-4, 5-1, unfinished
3. #21 Giorgia Vitale (CSU-W) vs. Marie Krueger (FMU_W) 5-7, 2-3, unfinished
4. Camila Tobar (CSU-W) def. Sofia Henning (FMU_W) 6-4, 6-0
5. Olivera Tadijin (CSU-W) def. Anna Wintrich (FMU_W) 6-2, 6-2
6. Saravinder Pannu (CSU-W) vs. Theresa Hammerschlag (FMU_W) 7-5, 2-0, unfinished
 
Doubles competition
1. #5 Beatriz Leon/Beatriz Lopez (CSU-W) def. Samantha Koelliker/Marie Krueger (FMU_W) 9-7
2. Camila Tobar/Kirsa Utech (CSU-W) def. Eva Lieben/Anilu Barraza Araiza (FMU_W) 8-2
3. Rachael Williams/Giorgia Vitale (CSU-W) def. Sofia Henning/Anna Wintrich (FMU_W) 8-5