LAKELAND, Fla. – The No. 23 Florida Southern College women's tennis fell 7-0 in a conference match against No. 2 Saint Leo University Thursday afternoon at the Wynee Warden Tennis Center.
The Mocs (12-4, 3-4 SSC) battled at every court, including a near upset in doubles but were unable to compile any wins against the top-ranked opponent. The Lions (16-2, 4-1 SSC) only lost one court in doubles and secured wins on all other courts for the shutout of the Mocs.
A challenging doubles match for both teams as
Maxima Ellenberg and
Neli Sunjic dropped their court 6-1 before an incredible 6-1 win for the Mocs at #3 by
Kennedi Brown and
Kelly Klaren. The point-deciding #1 court went to extras as
Laura Vetter and
Laia Pasini battled for a 6-6 tie. In the end, it was the No. 2 ranked doubles pairing among Division II programs that ended with the win over the Mocs 7-6 (11-9).
The Lions had three courts with nationally ranked singles players but not without a fight from the Mocs, who took three courts to a tiebreak third set. Pasini, ranked No. 65 in singles play, lost in three against No. 8 Vicens Miquel and a loss at #2 court by
Olivia Bryant, ranked 58
th, in three by No. 10 SLU opponent. Vetter, Sunjic,
Isabella Bolivar, and
Maxima Ellenberg each lost their singles courts.
The Mocs will host No. 9 University of Tampa next Thursday, April 6, set for a 3 p.m. start at the Wynee Warden Tennis Center for the team's Senior Day.
