Miami Shores, Fla. (March 17, 2026) – The Tars launched a two-game road stand down in Miami Tuesday afternoon, falling to Barry, 6-1. Despite the result, Rollins battled until the end, leaving lots of promise to build from down the stretch.
The number two ranked Buccaneers proved why they are nationally renowned to begin doubles play. Barry nabbed the first point of the match by winning all three matchups of duo action. Heading into singles, the Tars regrouped and refocused, hoping to create some momentum – a tall task on the road.
While valiant in their effort, the Bucs stymied Rollins to the tune of straight set victories on courts six, two and five to kick off singles play. The wins officially put a wrap on the match. Despite losing,
Sydney Eckstein showed resolve from line six. Her battle in set one, which she eventually dropped six games to three, came against an undefeated Jenifer Anger. The 6-3 result was as tight as any conference opponent has played Anger in the opening set all season.
Amina Abdulloeva went down swinging on line five, too. Her opponent, the Bucs' Alina Michalitsch, played the majority of last season on the top line for the defending national champions.
Nisan Can squared off against another powerful player from the hosts. Barry's Dana Heimen ranks in the top ten of ITA's singles poll, and her performance proved why. Still, Can fought until the end, much like all her teammates.
Milla Falster traded blows on line three, dropping a tightly contest first set 7-5 before bowing out in set number two. Falster was just slightly on the wrong side of the opener, which could have turned the tide for the points to follow.
Lorin Tilipman followed a similar plot. The sophomore fell 7-5, before dominating in set number two bringing the match all square. In set three, since the match was decided, the first to ten points was awarded the victor, and unfortunately, it was Barry's Louane Lutringer today.
The brightest spot of the day came from line one, with
Alyssa Novoa cruising in straight sets, 7-5, 6-2. The sophomore entered the week ranked in the top ten for singles, and the impressive road showing can only help her cause. On the other side, Barry's Ailen Crespo had previously only fallen once in a division II match all season.
Rollins head coach
Tasi Purcell Batista did not hang her head on the result, nor should her team. She relayed to one reporter, "Although some of the scores may not fully show it, I want to give my team credit for competing at a high level."
Coach Tasi continued, "Barry is consistently one of the toughest matchups in the conference, but overall, we're making progress step by step by putting in the work and having the right perspective in working to achieve our goals."
That progress will continue on the road this Thursday in a match with St. Thomas University. Match play will begin at 10am. For coverage all season long, and to follow along as the program makes strides towards those goals, check out
Rollinssports.com.
