NORFOLK, Va. – Reigning MEAC Rookie of the Week Paula Fortuno will lead the Norfolk State women's tennis team across the Chesapeake Bay to take on Northern Division rival Hampton on Monday in a critical matchup at the Neilson-Screen Tennis Stadium at 1 p.m.

Fortuno was a perfect 5-0 last week, including 3-0 at the No. 4 singles position. She also teamed up with fellow freshman Aranza Mellet for two victories at the No. 2 doubles position.

Norfolk State will look to feed off the momentum it generated by defeating Howard, 5-2, on Sunday and Maryland Eastern Shore, 4-0, last Saturday. The Spartans added a 6-0 non-conference victory over the Hawks last Saturday as well.

The Spartans began the season winning just one of their first seven matches. NSU has now won three consecutive matches, including two in conference play, to improve to 4-6 overall. Norfolk State is tied with Delaware State at 2-1 in the MEAC North, although the Hornets currently own the tie-breaker due to their win over NSU on Feb. 19.

Hampton is 9-3 overall and leads the North Division with a 5-0 mark.

The Spartans have three conference matches left and just a one-match lead over Howard and Coppin State, who are fighting for the fourth and final qualifying spot for the MEAC Championship. The one advantage Norfolk State has in its favor is that the Spartans have already defeated Howard and will face Coppin State on the final day of the regular season.

Fortuno is 8-2 in singles action and leads the team in victories. Since being paired with Mellet, the duo has won two-of-three doubles matches together.