FORT MYERS, Fla. – FGCU remained undefeated at home and upped its season record to 8-2 as the Eagles dominated Arkansas State in a 4-1 win in women's tennis action Sunday.

After securing the doubles point, FGCU decisively won three singles matches to claim the match over Arkansas State (4-4), ending a four-match win streak for the Red Wolves. It marked the first time the two teams have played and increased FGCU's all-time record against Sun Belt Conference programs to 10-8 (.556).

 "The ladies competed hard today against a disciplined Arkansas State team," FGCU head coach Courtney Vernon said. "They are growing every time they are competing."

The Eagles got off to a hot start in doubles when the tandem of Cecilie Maeland and Ashley Matz at No. 3 doubles remained undefeated this season by cruising to a 6-4 victory over Hanmare McAslin and Sarah Millard. The doubles point was then clinched when Nora Svensson and Anjali Kotecha moved to 12-2 on the season with a 6-3 victory at No. 1 doubles over Carla Muro Castellvi and Lilly Cvanciger.

Following an Eagle withdrawal at No. 3 singles to even the match at 1-1, Sabrina Jaramillo quickly regained the lead for FGCU with a 6-4, 6-2 win over Millard at No. 6 singles. That team score was pushed to 3-1 in favor of the Green & Blue as Matz secured a 6-4, 6-3 win over Meghna Arun Kumar at No. 5 singles, denying Arun Kumar's 10^th singles win of the year.

With the Eagles needing one more point to end the contest, it became a race to the finish between No. 120 June Bjork at No. 1 singles and Nora Svensson at No. 2 singles. Bjork got to a 6-3, 4-3 advantage but Svensson raced by with a 7-5, 6-1 decision to notch her team-leading 13^th singles win of the season and concluding the match.

FGCU was buoyed by a large crowd of supporters that tailgated and watched the match, coming up from Bonita Bay.

"We want to say a very special thank you to our friends at the Bonita Bay club who came out and tailgated and supported the ladies today! Their support over the last 12 years is what gives these ladies the opportunities that they have here, and we are so grateful for this very special group of people."

Up next for the Eagles is a matchup against Barry on Friday, Feb. 27 at 1 p.m. at the FGCU Tennis Complex.

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Game Notes

• FGCU is now 1-0 all-time against Arkansas State.
• The Eagles are now 10-8 all-time against Sun Belt Conference programs.
• Nora Svensson recorded her team-leading 13th singles win of the season.
• Cecilie Maeland and Ashley Matz remained perfect in doubles this season. They are now 5-0.

 
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