MELBOURNE, Fla. - Despite having to forfeit two matches from the outset due to a depleted roster, the Valdosta State Lady Blazers put together a gutsy performance in Melbourne, Fla. on Sunday to claim a 5-4 non-conference win over Florida Tech at DeSoto Park.

Jennifer Rink and Anke Poncelet continued their stellar play at No. 1 doubles to put VSU out in front early after defeating Natasa Vukovic and Erin Egoroff 8-6, before Bea Morales Hernandez and Joanna Lario teamed up to give the Lady Blazers another doubles victory (8-5) at No. 2 over Chloe Chanley and Kayla Hergott.

Holding a 2-1 lead heading into singles action, Morales secured a 6-3, 6-1 over Vukovic at No. 1, and Rink put the Blazers out in front 4-1 after defeating Chanley 6-4, 6-4.

The Panthers rebounded with wins at No. 3 by Hergott over Lario (6-3, 7-5) and at No. 5 by Mariana Castaneiras over Taylor Vinge (6-2, 6-1).

Perhaps the most critical performance of the day was the deciding matchup between Poncelet and Egoroff. Poncelet answered the call and dominated the action at No. 4 to pick up a 6-2, 6-1 singles win to secure the narrow victory for the Lady Blazers.

Next up for VSU, the No. 9 ranked Rollins Tars come to the VSU Tennis Courts in Titletown for a regional showdown set to begin at 1:30 p.m.