LAKELAND, Fla. – The Fire continued their run of tough matches in successful fashion on Friday. Southeastern University captured a 4-1 victory over No. 14 St. Thomas for their fifth straight win, and fourth in a row over a ranked opponent.
The Fire earned the doubles point when Marzano and Ciampi picked up the first of their two victories together at second doubles. The Fire pair took away a 6-4 win over St. Thomas' Sezin Akin/Caterina Antonini. Neleah Neiberline and Chloe Do Logo followed right behind their teammates at third doubles with an identical 6-4 decision over Jenesie Burgos/Lauren Fullerton.
After taking the doubles point, No. 28 Carlotta Nonnis Marzano led the home charge for the first singles win. Irene Parigi and Alessai Ciampi picked up the final two individual victories, ending the match.
SUMMARY:
Marzano wasted no time in winning the top singles matchup (6-1 and 6-0) over the Bobcats' Antonini.
Irene Parigi made it 3-0 in favor of the Fire after her 6-2, 6-2 fourth-singles scores over Sofia Nardone.
St. Thomas took its lone match when Akin claimed a 6-3 and 6-4 final over Neiberline at third singles.
Ciampi sealed the home win as she defeated Burgos (6-3 and 6-4) in fifth singles.
The day's other three matches were stopped before completion.
Isabella Bolivar Garces and Parigi were tied, 4-4, against St. Thomas' Anita Chornei/Naradone in top doubles.
At sixth singles, Do Lago and the Bobcats' Fullerton were stopped as well. Fullerton won the first set (6-3), but Do Lago led 6-5 in the second.
With the win, SEU improves to 13-4 (2-0 SUN), while St. Thomas dropped to 5-11 (0-3 SUN). The Fire host No. 1 Keiser University starting at 1 p.m. on Saturday.
