WINTER PARK, Fla. (February 12, 2026) – In an absolute thriller, the Tars snatched their second conference victory with a 4-3 win over Florida Southern on Thursday afternoon. Falling behind after doubles play, Rollins battled back with strong efforts on the singles courts, capped by
Amina Taibi's third set, tie breaking win.
It had been four years since Rollins had defeated rival Florida Southern, but that did not deter this year's team from securing a comeback victory. The Mocs struck first with victories on all three doubles courts, but the match is a best of seven. Taking it one match at a time, the Tars climbed back into things before securing the game-sealing match on court two.
Amina Abdulloeva quickly swung the momentum pendulum back to Rollins shortly after singles play began. The sophomore, competing in her first match against Southern, turned the tides with a powerful 6-2, 6-2 win on court six. New to the rivalry in her own right,
Nisan Can made quick work as well. Can swept the first set before a narrow 7-5 victory in set two to seal the match. Between the two, the Tars jumped out to a hot start in singles play and grabbed the overall match lead, 2-1.
Unfortunately, the lead would be short lived. Florida Southern knotted things up with a win by Diana Volkov over
Lorin Tilipman, 7-5, 6-1. Elsewhere, on court four,
Milla Falster battled, but could not prevail. Falster captured an advantage with a 6-4 score in set one, but stout playing by Florida Southern's Emily Jennewein eventually gave the Mocs a win on court four. With only two matches still in play, one win by the visitors would ice it.
But the only ice to be found was in the veins of
Alyssa Novoa and
Amina Taibi. After the duo dropped their first match of the season in doubles action, both endured another battle in singles play. Novoa fell behind with a 3-6 result in set one. Yet, she was not to be denied. Battling back with a 7-5 win in set two, the number one singles player further showcased her resolve in a 6-4 win of set three. Meanwhile, Taibi found herself in quite the three set bout on court two.
A 6-2, 4-6 match preceded what would turn into a legendary tiebreaker in the match decider. Going back and forth, Taibi willed the Tars to a win with a 7-6 clincher behind a supportive crowd and her encouraging teammates looking on.
After the match, Rollins head coach
Tasi Purcell Batista was proud of the fight all around.
"Today's matches were highly competitive, as Florida Southern consistently proves to be a formidable conference opponent. I'm incredibly proud of my team's effort. Although we fell behind early in doubles, every singles player battled back and competed relentlessly until the final point. Their resilience was evident, and we're excited to keep building on this momentum."
The Tars now take that momentum on the road up to St. Augustine for a Sunday morning contest with Flagler. Match play against the top five ranked Saints begins at 11am.
Be sure to check back with Rollinssports.com for the latest scores, news and updates on all things Tars. Next week, Rollins will be back in action on Friday when the Eckerd Tritons stop in town for a 3pm start. The match is designated as "Ladies Tennis Recognition Day."
