ANDERSON, S.C. - In preparation of returning back to South Atlantic Conference action next weekend, Anderson University women's tennis blanked Belmont Abbey in nonconference play Thursday at the AU Tennis Complex.

With the victory, the Black and Gold improve to 8-5 overall, while the Crusaders fell to 5-10 on the season.

Sweeping the doubles round, the Trojans jumped out to a 3-0 lead and did not look back. No. 1 doubles tandem, No. 22 Ivey Welborn and Rebecca Bruning defeated Teagan McNamara and Lillie Mehan, 8-1, while Alexandra Ebner and Jennifer Holcombe won 8-5 over Darian DeFrench and Kiersten Cox at the No. 2 spot. Abigail Gregory and Natalia San Jose teamed up and defeated Brylee Seitz and Alex Weber, 8-1, in the No. 3 slot.

Anderson continued its solid play in the singles portion winning all six matches. With Bruning's win at the No. 2 spot, she has recorded an impressive 10 singles victories on the year. Ebner and Holcombe each posted their eighth win of the year in singles play for the Black and Gold.

Anderson hits the road on Saturday to play Peach Belt Opponent No. 8 Columbus State. First serve is set for 2 p.m. at the Mary V. Blackmon Tennis Center.

Anderson 9, Belmont Abbey 0
Singles competition
1. Ivey Welborn (AU) def. Teagan McNamara (BAC) 6-2, 6-2
2. Rebecca Bruning (AU) def. Darian DeFrench (BAC) 6-1, 6-0
3. Alexandra Ebner (AU) def. Kiersten Cox (BAC) 6-2, 6-3
4. Jennifer Holcombe (AU) def. Alex Weber (BAC) 6-0, 7-5
5. Nikkola Wichenko (AU) def. Brylee Seitz (BAC) 3-6, 6-3, 10-6
6. Abigail Gregory (AU) def. Rachele Subik (BAC) 6-2, 6-2
Doubles competition
1. R. Bruning/I. Welborn (AU) def. T. McNamara/L. Mehan (BAC) 8-1
2. A. Ebner/J. Holcombe (AU) def. D. DeFrench/K. Cox (BAC) 8-5
3. A. Gregory/N. San Jose (AU) def. B. Seitz/A. Weber (BAC) 8-1