Florence, S.C.----The Wingate University Bulldogs, ranked No. 50 in the ITA national rankings, knocked off 12th-ranked Francis Marion 6-3 Sunday afternoon in NCAA Division II women's tennis action. The Bulldogs improve to 3-2 overall, with a 3-0 mark against Division II opponents. Francis Marion falls to 2-1 overall.

The Bulldogs jumped out to a 3-0 lead by sweeping doubles play Sunday afternoon. Senior Ali Evers (Roswell, Ga.) and junior Becca Thomas (Alpharetta, Ga.) won 8-6 at number one singles. Junior Tiffany Williams (Cary, N.C.) and freshman Layla Tanik (Raleigh, N.C.) also won 8-6 at number two doubles, while senior Morgan Winston (Lawrenceville, Ga.) teamed with sophomore Caroline Holland (Spartanburg, S.C.) for an 8-6 win at number three doubles.

Tanik notched a convincing 6-3, 6-1 victory at number four singles for the Bulldogs. Williams won the clincher at number singles, prevailing 6-4, 6-2. Winston rallied after dropping the opening set at number five singles, winning the final two sets 6-4, 6-4 to make the final margin 6-3.

The Bulldogs are back in action Monday, hosting GRU Augusta at 1 p.m.

Women's Tennis Match Results
Feb 16, 2014 at Florence, SC
#50 Wingate University 6, #12 Francis Marion University 3

Singles competition
1. Julia Graf (FMUW) def. Ali Evers (WU) 7-6 (7-5), 6-2
2. Samantha Kolliker (FMUW) def. Caroline Holland (WU) 6-0, 6-2
3. Nora Westbye (FMUW) def. Becca Thomas (WU) 6-4, 6-3
4. Layla Tanik (WU) def. Kimberley Hurter (FMUW) 6-3, 6-1
5. Morgan Winston (WU) def. Natalie Stirewalt (FMUW) 2-6, 6-4, 6-4
6. Tiffany Williams (WU) def. Veronika Viegas (FMUW) 6-4, 6-2

Doubles competition
1. Ali Evers/Becca Thomas (WU) def. #16 Julia Graf/Nora Westbye (FMUW) 8-6
2. Tiffany Williams/Layla Tanik (WU) def. Natalie Stirewalt/Samantha Kolliker (FMUW) 8-6
3. Morgan Winston/Caroline Holland (WU) def. Caitlin Siney/Kimberley Hurter (FMUW) 8-6

Match Notes: Wingate 3-2; National ranking #50; Regional ranking #9
Francis Marion 2-1; National ranking #12; Regional ranking #3