Bautista Samperi | PantherNOW
The Panthers hosted players from Missouri, Houston, DePaul, and Florida Atlantic in the weekend-long FIU Invitational, with sophomore Valery Gynina emerging as the standout performer.
Gynina finished with a perfect 6-0 record, including three individual wins and three doubles victories alongside junior Ekaterina Khairutdinova. The duo defeated Houston, Missouri, and Florida Atlantic.
It was an overall productive weekend for the FIU tennis team, as most players were able to earn at least one win. Junior Oyinlomo Quadre won her match 6-1, 6-3. Petja Drame and Alexandra Simeva also earned individual match victories, along with freshman Dana Baidaulet and VCU transfer Anja Draskovic, who had a 2-1 record during the weekend.
Sophomores Petja Drame and Alexandra Simeva defeated Missouri 6-3 in their doubles match during the second day of competition.
The invitational was the team’s final preparation before the FIU Panthers open their official season on Jan. 18 against the University of Miami in Coral Gables.
While the results didn’t impact official rankings, the tournament served as a key opportunity for players to find their rhythm and prepare for the long season ahead.
The Panthers aim for another strong season as back-to-back Conference USA champions, setting their sights on a deep NCAA tournament run.