Wingate, N.C.----The top-seeded and 20th-ranked Wingate University Bulldogs opened postseason play with a 5-1 victory over eighth-seeded Lenoir-Rhyne University in the opening round of the 2018 South Atlantic Conference women's tennis tournament. Wingate improves to 19-3 overall, advancing Friday's SAC Tournament semifinals. Lenoir-Rhyne falls to 11-10 on the season.

Wingate went 2-1 in doubles play, getting an 8-4 victory at number two doubles from juniors Claudia De Andreis (Milan, Italy) and Sydney Homan (Huntsville, Ala.). Senior Oroma Womeodu (Memphis, Tenn.) teamed with freshman Chyi Lee (Taipei, Taiwan) for an 8-4 victory at number three doubles to put the 'Dogs on top 2-1 heading to singles play.

Sophomore Michela Verpelli (Milan, Italy) won 6-4, 6-0 at number one singles, while De Andreis prevailed 6-2, 6-4 at number two singles. Homan clinched the match at number six singles, rolling to a 6-2, 6-1 victory to end the match. Womeodu won the first set at four singles and was leading 2-1 in the second when the match ended, while sophomore Marisa Ostoja (Split, Croatia) was in a third set at five singles.

The Bulldogs advance to Friday's SAC Tournament semifinals, taking on fourth-seeded and 37th-ranked Newberry at 9 a.m. in Cayce, S.C. The championship match is slated for Saturday at 9 am. In South Carolina.