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By: Stephen Williams

FLORENCE, S.C. – For the first time in program history, the seventh-ranked and top-seeded Columbus State University women's tennis team won the Peach Belt Conference Tournament on Sunday defeating fourth-ranked and second-seeded Armstrong State 5-3. The tournament was played at the Dr. Eddie Floyd Florence Tennis Center.
 
The Lady Cougars snapped Armstrong State's run of 13 consecutive PBC Tournament titles. CSU will find out its next opponent with the NCAA selection show Tuesday night at 8 p.m.
 
"I can't say enough about this group," head coach Evan Isaacs said. "They have worked so hard for four years and they continue to check off goals that we set when they were freshmen.
 
"The girls realize that the job is not done though, and our ultimate goal is still out there."
 
Columbus State (22-2) took a 2-1 advantage after doubles play to kick off the championship match.
 
Camila Tobar and Kirsa Utech rolled 8-2 at second doubles, while Rachael Williams and Giorgia Vitale won by the same mark at the third spot.
 
Armstrong State (22-4) got on the board in a top-five showdown at first doubles as Beatriz Leon and Beatriz Lopez fell 8-4.
 
The match evened at two apiece as the Pirates downed Utech 6-1, 6-2 at first singles. Olivera Tadijin seesawed the Lady Cougars back in front however, winning 6-4, 6-0 at the sixth spot.
 
Vitale then lost 6-2, 6-2 at third singles to tie the match at three.
 
Lopez and Leon took it from there winning at second and fifth singles, respectively, to seal the championship. Lopez picked up a 6-2, 6-3 win over the 17^th-ranked player in the country, while Leon was victorious 6-3, 6-4.
 
In the lone unfinished match, Tobar was ahead 4-1 in the third set.
 
Singles competition
1. #5 Lena Lutzeier (ARM) def. #29 Kirsa Utech (CSU-W) 6-1, 6-2
2. #43 Beatriz Lopez (CSU-W) def. #17 Tatjana Stoll (ARM) 6-2, 6-3
3. #22 Diana Stomlega (ARM) def. #21 Giorgia Vitale (CSU-W) 6-2, 6-2
4. Camila Tobar (CSU-W) vs. Alice Patch (ARM) 7-5, 3-6, 4-1, unfinished
5. Beatriz Leon (CSU-W) def. Tamri Chalaganidze (ARM) 6-3, 6-4
6. Olivera Tadijin (CSU-W) def. Lenka Styblova (ARM) 6-4, 6-0
 
Doubles competition
1. #3 Lena Lutzeier/Diana Stomlega (ARM) def. #5 Beatriz Leon/Beatriz Lopez (CSU-W) 8-4
2. Camila Tobar/Kirsa Utech (CSU-W) def. Lenka Styblova/Tatjana Stoll (ARM) 8-2
3. Rachael Williams/Giorgia Vitale (CSU-W) def. Alice Patch/Tamri Chalaganidze (ARM) 8-2