JACKSONVILLE – The FGCU women's tennis team ended its first tournament of the fall season on Sunday with exhibition play in the Bedford Cup at the UNF Tennis Complex in Jacksonville. Earning wins were Sarah Means (Wesley Chapel, Fla./Wiregrass Ranch HS) and Elizabeth Means (Wesley Chapel, Fla./Wiregrass Ranch HS).
 
"This weekend was filled with learning opportunities for the girls," head coach Courtney Vernon said. "They were challenged and learned a lot about their games by playing a good amount of matches. We have four more tournaments in the coming weeks where we can apply what we learned at the Bedford Cup."
 
Picking up a singles win was Sarah Means, finding a straight-set victory over UCF's Courtney Cesarini. After escaping the first set a close 6-4, Means controlled play in the second frame for a win at 6-1.
 
Joining her older sister in the winner's circle was Elizabeth, with a triumph over Florida A&M's Arrice Robinson. Needing only two sets for the victory, Means took the first one a powerful 6-2, and the final 6-3.
 
After they return from Jacksonville, the Green and Blue will travel to Athens, Ga., for the ITA Southeastern Regional Championships, Oct. 16-19. For complete coverage of FGCU women's tennis at the Bedford Cup, follow us on Twitter @FGCU_WTEN and visit www.FGCUAthletics.com where full recaps and results will be available.
 
FGCU is led by Courtney Vernon, whose inaugural campaign saw the Eagles finish third in the conference standings with a Division-I best 14 wins overall in 2013-14. She has produced five A-Sun All-Conference selections and the 2014 Freshman of the Year.
 
EXHIBITION PLAY
 
Sarah Means (FGCU) def. Courtney Cesarini (UCF) 6-4, 6-1
Elizabeth Means (FGCU) def. Arrice Robinson (FAMU) 6-2, 6-3
Rebecca Pereira (UNF) def. Julianna Curtis (FGCU) 5-7, 6-4, 6-3
Clare Mendell (UCF) def. Johanna Sterkel (FGCU) 3-6, 6-4, 7-6
Michelle Vazquez (UNF) def. Alex Landert (FGCU) 6-2, 6-0