CARY, N.C. – The North Carolina Central women's tennis team split its doubleheader Friday at Cary Tennis Park, defeating Barton before falling to UNC Asheville.

NCCU (2-5) opened the day with a 6-1 victory over Barton. The Eagles swept all three doubles matches to take the early advantage.

Mariana Zottoli set the tone at No. 4 singles with a 6-2, 6-1 win. Alejandra Hidalgo Vega cruised to a pair of 6-1 victories at No. 1 singles. Valeria San Miguel Soria (6-3, 6-1) and Gabriela Mejia Arenas (6-3, 6-3) also earned straight-set wins. At No. 6 singles, Valentina de Aquino rebounded after dropping the second set and secured the match with a 10-3 decision in a match tiebreak.

In the second match of the day, NCCU fell 5-2 to UNC Asheville.

After dropping the doubles point, the Eagles got on the board at No. 2 singles, where Patricia Palencia defeated Isabella Moss 6-2, 6-4 to cut the deficit to 3-1.

In the final singles match, Sara Barbaric battled back at No. 4. After losing the opening set, the freshman claimed the second set 7-6 with a 7-5 tiebreaker, then edged her opponent 12-10 in a 10-point match tiebreak.

The Eagles will return home to host Hampton on Tuesday, March 3 at the NCCU Courts. First serve is scheduled for 2 p.m.

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