Wingate, N.C.----The 20th-ranked Wingate University Bulldogs clinched at least a share of their eighth consecutive regular season league title Wednesday afternoon, prevailing 7-2 against No. 37 Newberry College in South Atlantic Conference women's tennis action. The Bulldogs win their 68th straight SAC match, improving to 17-3 overall and 9-0 in league play. The Wolves fall to 19-4 overall and 7-2 in the SAC.

Wingate went 2-1 in doubles play, getting a an 8-7 victory at one doubles from senior Maria Garcia (San Carlos, Venezuela) and sophomore Michela Verpelli (Milan, Italy). Senior Oroma Womeodu (Memphis, Tenn.) teamed with freshman Chyi Lee (Taipei, Taiwan) for an 8-4 victory at number three doubles to put the Bulldogs on top 2-1 heading to singles play.

Verpelli prevailed first set 7-5 at number one singles, then won the match when her opponent retired before the second set to improve to 12-2 on the season and 9-0 in league play, with every match coming at one singles. Lee prevailed 6-1, 7-5 at three singles, with Womeodu winning 5-7, 6-1, 6-2 at number four singles. Sophomore Marisa Ostoja (Split, Croatia) picked up a 6-3, 6-1 victory at five singles, moving to 9-0 in league play, while junior Sydney Homan (Huntsville, Ala.) finished off the day with a 6-2, 6-3 win at six singles.

The Bulldogs are back in action Saturday, wrapping up the regular season at Mars Hill at 1 p.m. A victory would clinch an outright conference title for Wingate.