CARY, N.C. – For the first time since 2018, North Carolina Central's women's tennis team defeated defending MEAC champion South Carolina State, 5-2, on Monday morning at Cary Tennis Park.

NCCU (8-8, 4-1 MEAC) has now climbed back to a .500 record this season. The Eagles have three regular-season matches remaining, including one final conference matchup.

The Eagles set the tone early by securing the doubles point. Sara Barbaric and Patricia Palencia handled No. 1 doubles, 6-3, while Alejandra Hidalgo Vega and Valentina de Aquino clinched the point with a 6-4 victory at No. 3 doubles.

Leading 1-0, NC Central carried that momentum into singles play, winning the first three completed matches to secure the team victory. Valeria San Miguel Soria finished first at No. 2 singles with a 6-3, 6-2 win. Hidalgo Vega followed with a strong 6-1, 6-3 victory at the No. 1 spot, remaining undefeated in conference play at 5-0.

Mariana Zottoli earned the decisive fourth point at No. 4 singles (6-4, 6-2). De Aquino added the Eagles' final point with a 6-4, 6-3 win at No. 6.

South Carolina State (2-10, 1-5 MEAC) claimed the final two matches at No. 3 and No. 5 singles, dropping its fifth straight overall.

NCCU returns to action Thursday, April 9, traveling to face its final MEAC opponent, Norfolk State. The match is set for 2 p.m. at the NSU Tennis Complex.

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