​LEXINGTON, SC — The NJIT women's tennis team earned its first-ever Big South Conference postseason victory on Thursday, edging fifth-seeded Presbyterian, 4–3, at the Lexington County Tennis Complex to advance to the tournament semifinals.

The fourth-seeded Highlanders (15–6) secured the win with victories in four of six singles matches after dropping the doubles point. NJIT will next face top-seeded Longwood on Friday at 9 a.m.

"I was really happy with the determination of the women today," said head coach Patricia Piorkowski McDonald.  "Down 3-0 was tough but the women stayed ready, mentally dialed in, and worked their way back--winning the next four matches to tirn it around for us.  I'm proud of their focus in some windy conditions today."

Presbyterian jumped out to an early 1–0 lead by claiming the doubles point and extended its advantage to 2–0 with a straight-sets win at No. 5 singles.

NJIT responded at the No. 4 spot, where Feyza Aydin put the Highlanders on the board with a 6–1, 6–4 victory. Presbyterian pushed its lead to 3–1 with a win at No. 6 singles before NJIT mounted its comeback.

Senior Irene Cocero delivered a key point at No. 3 singles, earning a 7–5, 6–4 straight-sets win over Grace Katzman.

At the top of the lineup, Laura Wipfli rallied after dropping the first set to defeat Ladina Bruhin, 4–6, 6–1, 6–2, evening the match at 3–3.

Paula Menendez Alvarez clinched the decisive point for the Highlanders at No. 2 singles. After taking the opening set 6–2, she dropped the second 6–4 before regrouping for a 6–4 victory in the third to secure the 4–3 win over Roxy Valdes and send NJIT into the semifinals.

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