TEMPE, Ariz. – Both the FGCU men's and women's tennis programs received recognition from the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA), earning team All-Academic honors for the 2018-19 school year. In addition to the team accolade, six student-athletes from the women's side received individual Scholar-Athlete nods.

The ITA recognizes any program from its member institutions that posts a cumulative grade point average of 3.20 or above. In order to earn ITA Scholar-Athlete status, a student-athlete must turn in a GPA of at least 3.50, be a varsity letter winner and have been enrolled at their present school for at least two semesters.

This marks the fifth-straight year that the women's side has garnered ITA All-Academic honors, as a conference-high six Eagles from the 2018-19 squad were named Scholar-Athletes. Bridget Forster and Laura Falceto-Font highlighted the award winners, as both turned in 4.0 GPAs.

The women's team went 11-10 during the regular season and posted a 4-3 mark in ASUN play. During the ASUN Tournament, they made a run into the championship match as the No. 4 seed before narrowly falling to arch-rival and second-seeded UNF by a score of 4-3.

"These ladies work very hard on and off the court," stated head coach Courtney Vernon. "I am thankful, that they continue to challenge each other every day and grateful for their commitment to this team."

After posting a perfect mark in conference play and claiming the regular season title, the men's side defeated No. 3 UNF to pick up the third ASUN tournament crown in program history. Marcelo Tebet clinched the FGCU victory with a thrilling third-set win at the fourth flight. Both he and Juan Montes were named to the ASUN All-Tournament team.

FGCU's successful season ended in Gainesville, as the team dropped its match in the first round of the NCAA Tournament to eventual national semi-finalist, Florida.

"This team from last year was a really special group," head coach CJ Weber said. "Not only were they committed to our team chemistry and work ethic, they also wanted to establish themselves as successful students. I'm happy to see them rewarded for something that they've worked so hard for."

This marks the second-consecutive year that the men's team has earned All-Academic recognition from the ITA. This year, the Eagles will continue to pursue success both in the classroom and on the courts as three-time ASUN Coach of the Year CJ Weber and his squad will be on the hunt for their fourth conference tournament championship in six seasons.

2018-19 ITA Scholar-Athletes
Julia Ascúa (ASUN Scholar-Athlete of the Year)
Laura Falceto-Font
Bridget Forster
Sara Kelly
Maja Ornberg
Patricia Villar

FOLLOW ALONG
For up-to-date coverage of FGCU women's and men's tennis programs, follow each team on Twitter @FGCU_WTEN and @FGCU_MTEN or visit www.FGCUAthletics.com where full recaps and results will be available.

#FEEDFGCU
FGCU Athletics sponsors events in November and April to benefit the FGCU Campus Food Pantry (www.fgcu.edu/foodpantry) and the Harry Chapin Food Bank (www.harrychapinfoodbank.org), FGCU Athletics' charities of choice. For more information, including how to make a contribution, please visit www.fgcu.edu/foodpantry and utilize the hashtag #FeedFGCU to help raise awareness.

 ABOUT FGCU
FGCU teams have combined to win an incredible 78 conference regular season and tournament titles in just 12 seasons at the Division-I level. Additionally, in just eight seasons of D-I postseason eligibility, the Eagles have had a combined 36 teams or individuals compete in NCAA championships. Seven FGCU programs have earned a top-25 national ranking in their respective sport – including both men's and women's soccer again in 2018. In 2016-17, the Green and Blue posted a department-best sixth-place finish in the DI-AAA Learfield Directors' Cup and top-100 showing nationally, ahead of several Power-5 and FBS institutions. In 2018-19, the Eagles had an ASUN and state of Florida best seven teams earn the NCAA's Public Recognition Award for their Academic Progress Rate in their sport. FGCU also collectively earned a record 3.35 GPA in the classroom in the spring 2018 semester and has outperformed the general University undergraduate population for twenty consecutive semesters.  The Eagles also served an all-time high 7,200 volunteer hours in 2017 – being recognized as one of two runners-up for the inaugural NACDA Community Service Award presented by the Fiesta Bowl.

--FGCUATHLETICS.COM--