MOUNT OLIVE, NC – The 18th-ranked Francis Marion University women's tennis team swept to a 9-0 win over the University of Mount Olive on Saturday (Feb. 11), while the 27th-ranked Patriot Men rallied during singles play to down the Trojans 6-3.

Francis Marion improves to 3-0 on both sides of the ledger.  The Patriots return home to entertain Wingate University on Friday at 2 p.m. and Erskine College on Saturday at 1 p.m.  Admission to both matches on the Kassab Courts is free.

The FMU women took a 3-0 advantage after winning the doubles matches by scores of 8-4, 8-2, and 8-0. 

In singles play, the Patriots did not lose a set and dropped only 13 games in the six matches.  Both junior Sofia Henning and freshman Magan Head posted 6-0, 6-0 wins at spots No.3 and No.6 respectively.  Senior Samantha Koelliker earned her 49th career singles win with a 6-0, 7-5 victory at the top position.

Mount Olive took a 2-1 advantage in the men's match, with only senior Jannik Roettlingsberger and junior Raul Madrid gaining a 9-8 (8-6) win at the No.2 doubles spot.  The duo fought a match point that could have put FMU in a 3-0 deficit.

The Trojans recorded a quick singles win at No. 3 to go ahead 3-1, but Francis Marion won the final five singles matches to register the non-conference victory.  Sophomore Tarass Thevenaz clinched the win with a 7-6 (7-3), 3-6, 6-4 victory at No.2 singles.

FMU senior Richard Ashforth, ranked No. 18 in Division II singles, captured a 6-4, 6-2 at the top position.