Sumter, S.C.- The #2 seeded Lenoir-Rhyne women's tennis team delivered a statement on Thursdsay, taking down #7 seeded UVA Wise 4-0 to advance in the SAC Tournament for just the second time in program history.

The Bears set the tone by claiming the doubles points with wins from Claudia Orsini / Sandra Mahbouli and Runa Muderrisoglu / Mehetia Boosie at the #1 and #2 spots. The Bears carried that momentum into singles play, where they secured the match with three straight-set victories from Disha Khandoji, Nellie Wahlberg, and Runa Muderrisoglu, to clinch the win and advance.

Prior to today's match Alexia Allison was honored with the South Atlantic Conference's Elite 23 award, honoring the individual with the highest GPA at the conference championships. This is the second straight championship she has won the award.

Doubles Results
1.  Sandra Mahbouli  / Claudia Orsini (LR) def. Kenzy Abdelaal / Melissa Lino Airoldi (UVA) 6-4
2.  Mehetia Boosie / Runa Muderrisoglu (LR) def. Andreea Onitoiu / Constanca Azinhaga (UVA) 6-4
3. Alexa Allison / Nellie Wahlberg (LR) vs. Lucy Cunliffe / Juliana Bastidas Tamayo (UVA) 5-4, UNFINISHED

Singles Results
1. Runa Muderrisoglu (LR) def. Kenzy Abdelaal (UVA) 6-2, 6-1
2. Claudia Orsini (LR) vs. Andreea Onitoiu((UVA) 0-6, 6-5, UNFINISHED
3. Nellie Wahlberg (LR) def. Constanca Azinhaga (UVA) 6-1, 6-2
4. Sandra Mahbouli (LR) vs. Juliana Bastidas Tamayo (UVA) 5-6, UNFINISHED
5. Mehetia Boosie (LR) vs. Lucy Cunliffe (UVA) 6-4, 2-3, UNFINISHED
6. Disha Khandoji (LR) def. Melissa Lino Airoldi (UVA) 6-0, 6-1

The Bears will be back in action tomorrow as they face off against the #3 seeded Wingate Bulldogs. The Bulldogs defeated #6 seed Lincoln Memorial 4-0 earlier today. Lenoir-Rhyne upset Wingate 4-2 last week. First serve is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.