COLUMBUS - Candice Paya stormed back from a 5-2 third-set deficit to take second singles and to give the No. 13 Columbus State University women's tennis team a thrilling 4-3 victory over No. 14 Flagler College. The Peach Belt Conference match took place at the John W. Walden Tennis Center on Friday.

With the match all tied at three wins apiece, Paya found herself down a set at second singles against Luisa Hrda. After rallying to force a third set, the junior was again pushed to the limit as Hrda raced out to the early 5-2 set lead. However, Paya stayed calm to prevail to extend Columbus State's PBC winning streak to 39 matches.

"I'm super proud of the ladies today," added head coach Evan Isaacs. "They showed some fight and grit today, and sometimes that's what it takes to grind out a win against a tough opponent." 

Columbus State (9-3, 4-0 PBC) jumped ahead in the match after taking all three doubles decisions. Beatriz Lopez and Paya were 6-3 winners at first doubles over Hrda and Eden Schlagenhauf, while Amanda Citre and Luise Sachs took third doubles by the same score against Paolma Martinez and Anika Nissen. At the second spot, Valentina Abrile and Sara Ramirez Goncalves downed Alessandra Traub and Florencia Massardo Brain 6-4.

Singles play was tight throughout, with Flagler (8-4, 2-1) crawling itself back into the match. The backend of the Saints lineup did most of the damage as Amelie Vossgaetter (7-5, 6-1) and Brain (6-4, 6-4) each picked up straight-set wins at fifth and sixth singles, respectively. Traub had the other FC win after coming from behind to edge Sachs 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 at third singles.

Columbus State picked up two more wins in singles action besides Paya's thrilling victory at the second spot. Lopez had an impressive 6-2, 6-3 showing against Schlagenhauf in the marquee match, while Abrile recorded a 6-2, 6-4 decision over Nissen. 

UP NEXT
Columbus State is right back in action on Saturday against Lander University at the Walden Tennis Center at 10:30 a.m. The match was scheduled for a 10 a.m. start but was adjusted due to weather conditions.