FLORENCE, S.C. (March 18) – The University of Mount Olive women's tennis program competed in its first conference match this season and registered a 4-3 win over the Patriots of Francis Marion this afternoon.

With the win, the Trojans improve their record to 5-9 in dual matches overall with a 1-0 mark in conference play. Meanwhile, Francis Marion, who also opened their conference season, drops to 5-5 and 0-1 on league action.

UMO had the upper hand in doubles earning the point by winning all three positions. In the first slot, the nationally-ranked No. 43 team consisting of senior Ingrid Montserrat and freshman Oriana Izarra upset Chelsea Seidewitz and Julie Martincova with a 6-3 score. Junior Nele Weber and freshman Laura Servien made short work of their opponents Kim Venghaus and Camryn Cassetori winning 6-0 in second doubles. In the third position, sophomore Jess Aylward and freshman Lea Edelstein captured a 6-3 win against Julia Pinto and Sophia Hansen. 

Mount Olive clinched the victory by winning three matches in singles play. In No. 1 singles, Montserrat dropped to Seidewitz with a 6-1, 7-5 count, before Izarra replied with a 6-1, 6-2 win in the second single versus Martincova. In the third position, Weber tallied a 6-2, 6-4 win against Hansen, while Servien battled down Venghaus in three sets 6-7 (4-7), 6-1, 6-1 in the fourth slot. Aylward suffered a loss in fifth singles with a 6-3, 6-4 margin against Pinto, before freshman Harshri Asher fell to Cassetori in three sets 6-1, 4-6, 6-1.

UMO will continue its conference season with three home matches next week. The first match will feature Mount Olive and Chowan on Tuesday, Mar. 21, at 2:00 p.m. at John Neal Walker Tennis Center.