Panthers earn third straight win in 7-0 victory over Middle Tennessee

The FIU tennis team has a shaky start to their season, but expect to make a comeback

Alex Del Valle // Staff Writer 

FIU took care of business Saturday afternoon, earning its third straight victory and dominating Middle Tennessee 7-0.

The Panthers are now 5-1 on the year and marked their 10th straight win versus the Blue Raiders, dating back to 2003.

FIU got off to a quick start in the match by winning at No. 1 and 2 doubles.

Andrea Lazaro, ranked No. 29 nationally, improved her overall record on the year to 11-3, making quick work of Josefina Zehnder (6-0, 6-3).

First year assistant coach Georgi Rumenov was very pleased with his team’s play against the Blue Raiders.

“Today’s performance was very good, I think all the girls played really good tennis, starting with the doubles. The beginning of every match we started 1-0 or 2-0 up so that was an important step for us,” Rumenov said.  “We gained confidence and got the lead in all five of the singles matches and the last match went into a tiebreak, which Ulyana Grib fought hard and got the win.”

Sophomore Gabriela Ferreira started in her only action of the day, teaming up with junior Mina Markovic in doubles play defeating Luisa Zirilli and Holly Horsfall 6-2.

“Despite not playing in a competitive match in two weeks, it’s hard to gain rhythm, but the girls did great today both in doubles and in singles,” Ferreira said. “The team is getting there. We’re trying to get comfortable competing and doing our best.”

The Panthers return to the hard court at home on Friday, Feb. 24, to host Florida Gulf Coast University at 1 p.m.

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