FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (Feb. 13, 2018) — In its first outdoor match of the season, the Salem University Tigers women's tennis team defeated Fayetteville State 9-0. 

The Tigers swept doubles competition with the tandem of Anna Vuksanovic and  Kovlova earning Salem's first point, shutting out Cain and Williams 8-0. 

With rain looming as a constant threat to cancel the matches, the tennis teams switched to an eight-game pro sets format in singles. 

Kovalova kicked off singles with an 8-0 victory over Kayla Williams and Vukanovic won a hard-fought match in the No. 1 slot, breaking the serve at 4-4 to go up 5-4 and winning 8-4. Waverley Federico sealed the sweep with an 8-5 victory to give Salem its first victory of the year. 

"I was very proud of all the girls today. They played extremely well," Head Coach Todd Tucker said. "It's very tough to keep your focus playing tennis on a cold, windy, rainy day.

"The girls were very determined to play their best despite the weather and because of their mindsets, they left Fayetteville not only better tennis players, but with their first victory of the year."

Results: 

Doubles

Vuksanovic/Kovalova SU def Cain/Williams FS   8-0

Federico/Perez SU def Doss/Gladden FS   8-1

Perez/Vasquez SU def Daniels/Butler FS   8-5

Singles

Kristina Vuksanovic SU def Staisha Cain   8-4

Anna Kovalova SU def Kayla Williams   8-0

Waverly Federico SU def Brittany Doss  8-5

Megan Perez SU def Charli Daniels   8-1

Jennifer Perez SU def Deanna Butler   8-3

Brianna Vasquez SU def Amber Gladden  8-1