MIAMI, Fla. (January 14, 2006) ? The University of South Florida women's tennis day completed its second day of the FIU Spring Classic in Miami, Florida, playing host school FIU.

The Bulls split the two doubles matches played, with Liz Cruz and Iciri Rai defeating Desanka Jovnaovic and Courtney Johnson of FIU, 8-4.

In singles competition, USF took 4-of-6 matches from the Golden Panthers. Sophomore Courtney Vernon continued her impressive play at the No. 2 position by outlasting Egle Petrauskaite of FIU, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5. Neyssa Etienne picked up her first win at the classic by defeating Zabala in straight sets, 6-1, 6-0. Also picking up victories were No. 96 Liz Cruz at the No. 3 position and Rai at the No. 5 position.

The Bulls will return to the courts tomorrow when they take on No. 53 Illinois at 10 a.m.

No. 45 USF at No. 30 Florida International
 
Doubles
 
#24 Paula Zabala/Nikkita Fountain (FIU) def. #5 Gabriela Duch/Neyssa Etienne (USF), 8-4
Liz Cruz/Iciri Rai (USF) def. Desanka Jovanovic/Courtney Johnson (FIU), 8-4
 
Singles
Neyssa Etienne (USF) def. Zabala (FIU), 6-1, 6-0
Courtney Vernon (USF) def. Egle Petrauskaite (FIU), 6-3, 3-6, 7-5
#96 Liz Cruz (USF) def. Fountain (FIU), 7-5, 6-1
Shilla D'Armas (FIU) def. Gabriela Duch (USF), 6-2, 6-4
Iciri Rai (USF) def. Marijana Cutuk (FIU), 6-1, 6-0
Jovanovic (FIU) def. Luisa Obando (USF), 6-0, 6-2