FGCU WTEN @ Houston Recap

The FGCU women's tennis team (4-3) claimed a thrilling 4-3 victory as they took down Houston (5-3) Friday afternoon. With the win, the Eagles tie the series with the Cougars 1-1.

"Today was a battle and it was a fun match to experience," head coach Courtney Vernon said. "The ladies focused on their energy and fight and it showed. Sofia (Perez) clinched the match for us and she handled the moment with courage. We can't wait to get back to work on Monday and continue to grow."

Right from the beginning, FGCU was able to take an early 1-0 lead after doubles play. Junior Maja Ornberg and senior Julia Ascúa (4-2) were the first tandem to finish as they cruised to a 6-1 victory on the top court. Soon after, sophomore Sara Kelly and senior Patricia Villar (3-0) produced a 6-4 result to claim the doubles point for the Eagles.

Heading into singles competition, Ascúa bumped FGCU's lead to 2-0 with a win on court No. 3 in straight sets (6-4, 6-3). Ornberg (4-3) then made it a 3-0 match as she registered a 6-0, 6-3 victory. After the Eagle's win on the top court, the home side reeled three-straight wins on courts No. 5, No. 6 and No. 3 to tie the match at 3-3.

Everyone's attention then shifted to the final match on court No. 4. Senior Sofia Perez (3-3), who fell in her first set 7-6, stormed back in dominant fashion. The Costa Rica native garnered a 6-4 win in her second set and then sealed the victory with a 6-1 triumph in the final set to give FGCU the 4-3 final.

Up Next:
FGCU will return home for its A-SUN opener against rival UNF at 5 pm March 2.