Miami Shores, Fla. – The No. 4 Seed Saint Leo Women's Tennis team defeated No. 5 Seed Florida Southern 5-3 Saturday afternoon on the courts of No. 1 Seed Barry University in the opening round of the NCAA Division II South Regionals. Now 19-6, the Lions advance to the final to face the hosts, the 23-0 Barry Buccaneers.
 
Saint Leo gained a 2-1 lead over Florida Southern after doubles play. Second double team, Marta Vicens Miqeul and Andrada Gordan finished first, handing in an 8-2 win. First doubles partners, No. 25 among the most recent ITA rankings, Madeleine Gauthier and Maja Pindelska finished next earning an 8-4 decision. Third doubles, Kristyna Jurkova and Sophie Vlietstra fell short in their battle, 8-6.
 
The first two single matches finished in the favor of Florida Southern. Trailing 3-2, Kristyna Jurkova won at second singles 6-0, 6-4. Andrada Gordan fought for a 7-5, 6-2 sixth singles win to hand the lead back to Saint Leo, 4-3. Madeleine Gauthier's fourth singles win clinched the match handing in a 7-5, 6-4 decision. First singles, No. 46 Marta Vicens Miquel left her match unfinished; 3-6, 5-3.
 
The Lions return to the court to face No. 1 Seed Barry on Sunday, April 29 starting at noon.
 
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