STATESBORO - Georgia Southern women's tennis notched its sixth straight win to start the season with a 7-0 victory over visiting Florida A&M on Saturday afternoon at the Wallis Tennis Center.

The Eagles continue their second-best start to a season with the win over the Rattlers (1-3). Georgia Southern's 1981 squad began the year with 11 straight wins en route to a 15-5 mark.

Georgia Southern collected the doubles point from Florida A&M by winning all three doubles matches. Silvia Martinez and Lindsay Tulenko defeated Veronica Rodriguez and Larissa Silva, 6-2, at No. 1 doubles, while Sonja Keranen and Ninon Martinache downed Sara Rakim and Genesis Whitelock, 6-3, at No. 2 doubles. Mackenzie Leopold and Sophie Wagemaker completed the doubles sweep with a 6-3 win over Rebekkah Gaines and Reagan Harris at No. 3 doubles.

After the Eagles notched a quick win at No. 3 singles due to a retirement, Georgia Southern notched straight set wins at the other five singles spots.

"Florida A&M is not a team that you can ever take lightly," Georgia Southern head women's tennis coach Sean McCaffrey said. "They are all very big hitters and extremely athletic. So we needed to play a little more mindful and patient today. I was really impressed with how we handled our mental game this weekend as we faced a number of moments where we needed to dig a little deeper, or rely a bit more on being pragmatic and we did just that.

"All three doubles were on point today," McCaffrey said. "And I believe all six singles matches were handled with great focus and solid efficiency. Now we will have a small break to recover and get things going for Clemson next weekend."

Georgia Southern will travel to Clemson to take on the Tigers on Saturday, February 10, in an 11 a.m. match from Clemson, S.C.

RESULTS
Singles
1. Silvia Martinez (GS) def. Rebekkah Gaines (FAMU) 6-1, 6-1
2. Ninon Martinache (GS) def. Sara Rakim (FAMU) 6-3, 6-2
3. Lindsay Tulenko (GS) def. Veronica Rodriguez (FAMU) 4-1, retired
4. Nanaka Kijima (GS) def. Genesis Whitelock (FAMU) 7-5, 6-2
5. Mackenzie Leopold (GS) def. Reagan Harris (FAMU) 6-1, 6-3
6. Paula Hijos (GS) def. Larissa Silva (FAMU) 6-2, 6-1

Doubles
1. Silvia Martinez/Lindsay Tulenko (GS) def. Veronica Rodriguez/Larissa Silva (FAMU) 6-2
2. Sonja Keranen/Ninon Martinache (GS) def. Sara Rakim/Genesis Whitelock (FAMU) 6-3
3. Mackenzie Leopold/Sophie Wagemaker (GS) def. Rebekkah Gaines/Reagan Harris (FAMU) 6-3