Lakeland, Fla.- The No. 24th ranked Florida Southern Mocs fell 1-6 to the No. 1 ranked Barry University Saturday morning at the Wynee Warden Tennis Center.
"A great fight by the Mocs against proven Division II National Champions for the past five seasons," said head coach
Trish Riddell on her team's effort. "Good showing for our first match and we look forward to the next one and continuing to compete with top teams."
The Mocs fought hard in doubles but couldn't convert their effort to wins. Both Ellenberg/Vetter (3-6) and Miller/Sunjic (3-6) held their ground but couldn't keep up with the Buccaneers' pace.
In singles play, the Mocs were incessant in their pursuit of points against the Bucs.
Maxima Ellenberg had a strong performance on court 2, just falling short of a comeback win for the Mocs with 5-7, and 4-6.
With decisive wins for the Barry Buccaneers in courts 1 (featuring Barry's No. 1 singles player Deniz Khazan), 3, and 5, Florida native
Olivia Bryant fought intently on court 4, ending the first round 6-7. However, she couldn't secure a point against Buccaneers' No. 21 singles player Daniela Farfan from Buenos Aires, Argentina, closing out the second round with 3-6.
Isabella Garces Bolivar wrapped up the match on court 6, securing a last-ditch effort win for the Mocs after three hard-fought rounds against Buccaneers Clara Versier (6-2, 3-6, 1-0).
The Florida Southern Mocs will return Saturday, February 18th, against the No. 6 ranked Lynn University at their home court, Perper Tennis Complex in Boca Raton, Fl. The match is set to begin at 10 a.m.
