Box Score Box Score

Wingate, N.C.----The 20th-ranked Wingate University Bulldogs opened league play in style Tuesday afternoon, blanking Anderson University 9-0 in the South Atlantic Conference opener in NCAA women's tennis action. The seven-time defending SAC champion Bulldogs win their 60th straight conference match, moving to 7-1 overall and 1-0 in league play. Anderson falls to 5-3 overall and 0-1 in the SAC.

Wingate swept through doubles play, starting with an 8-3 win at one doubles from sophomore Michela Verpelli (Milan, Italy) and freshman Meredith Lee (Pottstown, Pa.). Juniors Claudia De Andreis (Milan, Italy) and Sydney Homan (Huntsville, Ala.) prevailed 8-6 at number two doubles, while an 8-3 win from senior Oromo Womeodu (Memphis, Tenn.) and freshman Chyi Lee (Wenshan District Taipei, Taiwan) at three doubles put the Bulldogs on to 3-0 heading to singles play.

Verpelli won 6-4, 7-5 at one singles, while De Andreis prevailed 6-4, 6-3 at number two singles. Chyi Lee picked up a 7-5, 6-3 victory at number three singles, while Womeodu collected a 6-4, 6-7, 1-0 win at four singles. Sophomore Marisa Ostoja (Split, Croatia) rolled to a 6-3, 6-1 victory at five singles, while Homan capped the day with an 8-1 win at six singles.

The Bulldogs are back in action Saturday, traveling to Elon for a 2:30 p.m. start. Wingate was scheduled to host Limestone Wednesday, but that match has been postponed due to weather. The match will now take place March 29 at Wingate.