FLORENCE, S.C. – The University of South Carolina Aiken women's tennis team defeated Francis Marion by a 5-2 score Tuesday afternoon.

The Pacers are now 6-0 overall and 1-0 in league play while the Patriots stand at 5-2 on the year and 0-1 against conference competition.

It marked the first victory over FMU since Feb. 15, 2005. 

Head coach Steve Dahm's team snagged a 1-0 advantage by claiming the doubles point. Edith Croda and Karina Blas teamed up for a 6-1 victory at the No. 3 slot. Victoria Giannaccini and Alice Neves helped the team victory the point with a 6-4 win at No. 2.

Blas pushed the score to 2-0 after upending her foe 6-4, 6-3 at the No. 3 slot. Elena Bompieri notched a 6-3, 7-6 victory at the top spot, giving USC Aiken a 3-0 edge.

After the Patriots pulled within two at 3-1, Croda sealed the win with a three-set win at No. 4. She won by scores of 4-6, 7-6, 6-0.

Neves took home a 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 win at No. 6 for the team's fifth point of the match.  

The Pacers return to action Sunday when they host Limestone at 12 p.m.