DURHAM, N.C. — The North Carolina Central University women's tennis team jumped out to a 1-0 lead with a couple doubles wins, but visiting Gardner-Webb University won all five contested singles matches to rally for a 5-2 non-conference victory on Saturday afternoon.
 
The Runnin' Bulldogs won their third straight match and Gardner-Webb moved over .500 on the season at 7-6. The Lady Eagles were unable to win their third consecutive match as NCCU dipped to 7-10.
 
NCCU got on the board first by winning the top two doubles matches.
 
The middle duo of sophomore Maru Berghaus and freshman Ivana Dragovic secured a 6-2 win for the Lady Eagles. The top tandem of sophomore Frida Cnossen and Hannah Gaines then held on for a 7-5 triumph to seal doubles in favor of the maroon and gray.
 
Cnossen/Gaines were triumphant for a third straight time to improve to 8-6. Berghaus/Dragovic have five wins together.
 
The Runnin' Bulldogs raced ahead in singles, winning four of their five singles matches in straight sets. The rally featured wins by junior No. Miljana Ristic (6-4, 6-2), sophomore No. 2 Valentine Limauge (6-4, 6-4), freshman No. 4 Adrienne Vesely (6-2, 6-1) and junior No. 5 Milica Panic (6-3, 6-3).
 
Freshman No. 3 Mayumi Saguchi outlasted NCCU freshman Hannah Gaines in the only three-set affair. Saguchi eventually won 6-1, 5-7, 6-4.
 
The Lady Eagles picked up a second point with a forfeit win at No. 6 singles.
 
NC Central next hosts East Carolina University on Friday at Noon.