DURHAM, N.C. – A total team effort powered North Carolina Central to its first win of the season Wednesday afternoon, as the Eagles swept Mount Olive, 7-0, at home. Freshmen Journee Henderson and Sara Barbaric each earned their first collegiate singles victories in the triumph.

NCCU (1-3) set the tone early by securing the doubles point with wins at No. 2 and No. 3. Gabriela Mejia Arenas and Valentina de Aquino cruised to a 6-1 victory in the No. 3 spot, followed by a 6-2 win from Valeria San Miguel Soria and Barbaric at No. 2.

The momentum carried into singles play, where the Eagles maintained their intensity against the Trojans. Patricia Palencia and Henderson each shut out their opponents at No. 4 and No. 6, respectively. Alejandra Hidalgo Vega also controlled her match, earning a 6-1, 6-3 decision over Simone Szovan at No. 1 singles. Barbaric also had a winning outcome at the No. 5 position (6-1, 6-2).

UMO (0-2) put up a fight in the middle courts. At No. 2 singles, San Miguel Soria claimed the first set 6-1 before Victoria Calle mounted a comeback attempt in the second, but ultimately fell 7-5. Shortly after, Mariana Zottoli edged her opponent in a tight first set with an 8-6 tiebreak for a 7-6 win, then secured the match with a 6-4 victory in the second set at No. 3.

NC Central hits the road for its next match at Wofford on Tuesday, Feb. 17. Action gets underway in Spartanburg, S.C. at 2 p.m.   

For more information on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com.