WINTER PARK, Fla. (March 2, 2026) – In a back-and-forth battle, Wingate prevailed over Rollins 4-3 on Monday afternoon to hand the Tars their first loss. Things came down to a final set, but the Bulldogs narrowly grabbed the victory to take the match.
Monday's doubles action launched the start of a tennis doubleheader, an exciting way to start a busy week for both programs. With a palpable buzz around the Tennis & Golf Center, the Tars were motivated, but it was the Bulldogs that grabbed an early lead. Wingate secured the point by way of lines one and three. Meanwhile, doubles number two was left unfinished knotted at five.
Nisan Can wasted no time evening the score with another impressive match. The native of Turkey has been nails all season, taking each match that she has played, in straight sets. Monday was no different.
Wingate quickly answered, responding in 6-1, 6-1 fashion on line six. Rollins would not let the lead sit in the Bulldogs corner, though. Veteran
Milla Falster handled line five in straight sets replicating a 6-3 score in each stanza to bring the match back to a stalemate.
Singles number three went to the visitors, but
Lorin Tilipman soon raised the stakes with her win on line four. Tilipman snatched her second consecutive victory, going 6-3, 7-5, once again bringing the overall match to a halt at three points apiece.
After trading sets in the headliner,
Alyssa Novoa and Wingate's Anatasia Oktiabreva entered a winner-take-all third. Trading blows until the end, Oktiabreva was able to secure a tight win, officially giving Wingate the decision.
"Wingate played tough today, credit to them," head coach
Tasi Purcell Batista remarked.
"We didn't execute the way we know we can, so we will get back to work and come back stronger."
The Tars do not have to wait long to respond. Thursday afternoon will mark another doubleheader for both programs. The women kick things off again at 2pm when the University of Charleston steps into the arena. The Tars will then welcome St. Thomas University (MN) for a Friday afternoon bout. Doubles play will commence at 4pm.
