GULF SHORES, Ala. — Florida Southern College (17-12) had a mixed day at the tournament, first securing a decisive 3-0 victory over Catawba College (8-19) before facing a challenging dual against the University of Tampa (23-9), concluding with a 0-3 loss.
Florida Southern has a record of 17-12 after these matches, while Catawba holds a record of 8-19 and Tampa boasts a record of 23-9.
FLORIDA SOUTHERN 3, CATAWBA 0
In the match against Catawba, the Moccasins showcased a comprehensive performance, winning all three completed matches. At the top flight,
Sydney Melcher and
Ryla Bryant's match against Emma Christensen and Marcella Hermont was left unfinished, with no scores recorded. In the 2s,
Ella Pringle and
Lauren Passaglia put a point on the board for Florida Southern, defeating Lily Landis and Eliza Liva in straight sets, 21-18, 21-14. The 3s saw
Hailey Carefoot and
Sarah Idler secure another point for the Moccasins, overcoming Peyton Fendley and Sidney Kettelkamp, 21-17, 21-11. On Court 4, the match featuring
Aubrey Wieser and
Victoria Rushing against Valentina Rodriguez and Alleigh Johnson was also left unfinished. In the No. 5 flight,
Allison Thomas and
Madden Bingham added a point for the Mocs, decisively defeating Kellyann Ellis and Sydney Wattles, 21-9, 21-4.
FLORIDA SOUTHERN 0, TAMPA 3
Looking ahead, Florida Southern faced a tougher challenge against Tampa, where they were unable to capture a victory in any of the matches. At the top flight, Melcher and Bryant took on Nevaeh Wolfe and Hailey Wolfe, with the Spartans securing a straight-set win, finishing 21-15, 21-14. In the 3s, Carefoot and Idler put forth a valiant effort against Hailey Peterson and Logan Martin, but fell in straight sets with tight scores of 21-19, 21-19. The 5s match saw Thomas and Bingham face Sammie Ostrander and Jordan Berglin, with Tampa clinching another point with a commanding straight-set victory, 21-9, 21-9. Matches at the No. 2 and No. 4 positions remained unfinished, resulting in a 0-0 outcome on both courts, as Pringle and Passaglia, along with Wieser and Rushing, stood firm against their opponents from Tampa.
The Mocs wrapped up pool play at the AVCA Small College Championships with a 2-2 record over the opening two days and now await the release of the final bracket and their next opponent.
