LAKELAND, Fla. – The Fire left no doubt against a well-respected opponent on Thursday. Southeastern University took the doubles point and made quick work of the first three singles matches on the way to a 7-0 victory over RV Grace College (Ind.).
Starting the day in doubles, Neiberlin/Ciampi shut out the Lancers' Ruenstad/Schoenherr in third doubles. Bolivar Garces/Parigi completed the middle doubles next at 6-3 over Ruegsegger/Brumbaugh. Nonnes Marzano held on for a 7-5 decision over Sandoval/Ramirez.
After the doubles matches, SEU (9-4) saw Neleah Neiberline take the longest, but the first singles match competed at the third spot over Grace's Lydia Ruegsegger. The Lancer player took the first set (6-4) before Neiberline came back for the second set by the same 6-4 score and rode it to a 10-5 final in the deciding set.
Both Irene Parigi and Alessia Ciampi gave up only six games between their fourth and fifth singles matches and gave the Fire the needed wins to seal the team win. Parigi took care of Natalie Schoenherr, 6-2, 6-0, before Ciampi beat Molli Runestad (6-3 and 6-1).
Fresh off receiving her first ever NAIA individual national ranking at No. 49, Irene Lopez recorded the same 6-2 score two times for the win at sixth singles over Shannon Brumbaugh.
The other two SEU ranked players completed the sweep in the top two singles match-ups. The highest-rated Fire player, No. 28 Carlotta Nonnis Marzano captured the first set (6-2) before Grace's Jimena Ramirez battled tough through to a tiebreaker, but Marzano held on for a 7-6 (8-6) win.
No. 44 Isabella Bolivar Garces wrapped up the team competition as she overcame Alejandra Sandoval in second singles by a 6-0, 6-2 final.
After an off day on Friday, SEU will host No. 18-ranked SCAD-Atlanta on Saturday afternoon. First serve is at 1 p.m.
