Box Score Box Score

Columbus, Ga.----The third-ranked Columbus State University Cougars handed 20th-ranked Wingate University its first setback in NCAA Division II play this season, prevailing 9-0 in women's tennis action Monday afternoon. The top-ranked team in the region, Columbus State improves to 9-1 overall, with the Bulldogs falling to 8-3 on the season.

Columbus State swept through doubles play Monday. Number one doubles was tightly contested, with the Cougars picking up a 9-8 victory over Wingate sophomore Michela Verpelli (Milan, Italy) and freshman Meredith Lee (Pottstown, Pa.). The Cougars won 8-1 at two doubles and 8-4 at three doubles to take a 3-0 lead into singles play.

CSU went 6-0 in singles play to complete the sweep. Wingate junior Claudia De Andreis (Milan, Italy) lost a first set tiebreaker at two singles to drop the opening set 7-6 before losing set two 6-2. Sophomore Marisa Ostoja (Split, Croatia) dropped the opening set 6-3 at five singles before losing set two in a tiebreaker. Junior Sydney Homan (Huntsville, Ala.) won 7-5 in set one at six singles before losing set two 6-3 to force a tiebreaker for the match, which CSU won 10-7.

Wingate is back in action Saturday, hosting Francis Marion at 12 p.m.