WEXFORD, Pa. – The Cleveland State women's tennis team picked up its first victory of the 2021 campaign Saturday evening, earning a 6-1 win at Slippery Rock.

"The entire team was excited to be able to play tonight, and it makes it even better when we are able to pick up the win," head coach Frank Polito said. "In a season like this, you have to capitalize on any opportunity that you get to step on the courts, and that is exactly what this team did tonight. Hopefully we will be able to carry this momentum into our next match and continue to improve as the season goes on."

The Vikings were able to gain the early 1-0 lead following doubles play, as they swept all three doubles matches.

At the top of the lineup, Miruna Vasilescu and Klara Mrcela cruised to a 6-0 victory, while Blanche Lenoan and Kateryna Avram earned a 7-5 win at the No. 2 spot, and Bethany Yauch and Selma Tounsi posted a 6-2 win at No. 3 doubles.

Vasilescu gave the Vikings a 2-0 lead at the start of singles play then, as she posted a 6-1, 6-3 victory at the top of the lineup.

CSU then went up 3-0 with a win from Lenoan at No. 2 singles, as she earned a 6-2, 6-2 victory for her team-leading fourth singles win of the year. Saturday's victory also gave her 49 on her career, as she is now just one win shy of reaching the 50-win milestone.

Cleveland State's clinching point came at the No. 6 spot then, as Avram posted a 6-2, 6-1 victory for her first singles win of the young season.

Siân Payne and Tounsi picked up Cleveland State's final two singles wins on the night, Payne with a 7-5, 6-1 victory at No. 5 singles, and Tounsi with a 6-2, 7-5 decision at the No. 4 spot. Both wins marked the first of the season for Payne and Tounsi.