LAKELAND, Fla. – The No. 14 Florida Southern College men's tennis team outlasted No. 15 University of Charleston with a 4-3 win on Wednesday afternoon at Wynee Warden Tennis Center. Prior to the match, FSC opened with a recognition of student-athlete mental health honoring Morgan's Message.
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The Moccasins (4-3, 1-2 SSC) won the doubles point and rallied in singles for the top 15 win. The Golden Eagles (3-1, 0-0 Mountain East) suffered their first loss of the 2025 season, losing the match-deciding court in the 4-3 loss.
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In doubles,
Chris Fok Kow and
Mario Garoz had a big 6-1 win over No. 6 Perez and Pinto from UC.
Sam Frizelle and
George Russell shut out their competition at the #3 court with a 6-0 score to seal the doubles point.
Hunter Nussbaum and
Ryan Rajakar played out their court, losing 6-3 to Elsamahy and Garcia.
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For singles, Frizelle was unable to upset No. 6 Perez at the #1 court, 6-2, 6-1. No. 38 Garoz responded with a 6-2, 6-2 win at the #3 court, retaking the match lead. Fok Kow had a big 7-6 (7-1), 6-3 win at the #2 court before UC won the next two courts.
Bosko Boskovic lost 6-4, 6-3, as did
Edoardo Melindo 6-2, 6-3 to No. 39 Pinto. Tied 3-3 in team scoring, the match came down to the court of Russell and Vicente Garcia at the #4 court. Russell lost the first set 7-6 (7-5) before rallying to win the next two sets 6-2, 6-4 to win the match.
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The Mocs will host Grand Valley State University on Tuesday, March 4, with a 10:00 a.m. start at the Wynee Warden Tennis Center.
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About Morgan's Message
Morgan's Message® amplifies stories, resources, and expertise to confront student-athlete mental health, builds a community by and for athletes, and provides a platform for advocacy. The goal is to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health within the student-athlete community and equalize the treatment of physical and mental health in athletics. We aim to expand mental health dialogue by normalizing conversations, empowering those who suffer in silence, and supporting those who feel alone. For a more extensive list of mental health and suicide prevention resources, please visit: www.morgansmessage.org/resources
About The Hidden Opponent -
Olivia Bryant (FSC Women's Tennis), Ambassador
The Hidden Opponent is an accredited nonprofit and advocacy group dedicated to raising awareness for student-athlete mental health. Through advocacy, education, and support, our goal is to end mental health stigma in sports culture. ?Although a growing number of athletes have started speaking out about their struggles, an estimated 92% of colleges still don't have adequate support for athletes. Mental and physical health remain on separate playing fields. For more information, visit www.thehiddenopponent.org
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