WINTER PARK, Fla. (March 5, 2026) –Rollins did everything it could to climb out of an early hole Thursday, but fell just short, losing to the University of Charleston by a score of 4-2. The loss drops the Tars to 6-2 on the season.
The doubles point was elusive for the second consecutive match for Rollins, giving the Tars a one match deficit prior to singles action. A loss on the first court followed by a narrow defeat on court three had clinched things for the visiting Golden Eagles, but hope was not lost in the home locker room. Rollins has shown time and time again that they will fight regardless of the doubles' result. Today was no different.
The task got taller when Charleston took home singles number six. The win gave the Golden Eagles a two-match advantage, but it wouldn't last long.
Sophomore
Lorin Tilipman entered Thursday having no experience playing court three for the Tars. You wouldn't know that given her performance, though. A quick 6-3, 6-2 sweep made things interesting and
Alyssa Novoa's straight set winner on line one knotted the match up shortly later. Novoa continues her first spring season in Winter Park on a tear, winning all but one match from the leadoff position thus far.
Despite the efforts, the Golden Eagles reclaimed the lead by way of a win on court four. After falling 6-0 in set number one, Rollins'
Amina Abdulloeva had no intentions of folding. The sophomore responded in dominant fashion, winning set two 6-1 before falling just short in the winner-take-all set.
Nisan Can had similar fortune. Can was swept in set one, and by all accounts looked to be on her way to a defeat in set two. But with a Can-do attitude, the native of Turkey rallied, climbing out of a 5-1 hole to send the match into a third set. Trading blows, Charleston's Sofia Krasikova was able to ultimately prevail, deciding the overall match simultaneously, in favor of the Golden Eagles.
Meanwhile,
Milla Falster was in the midst of a battle on court five when the match was called due to the clinch.
The fantastic singles efforts were not lost on those in attendance, nor the Tars head coach.
"Another tough one today. Charleston played hard today, and it was a battle right up to the end. Proud of my singles lines for giving it their all," head coach
Tasi Purcell Batista remarked post-game.
"We have a quick turnaround for tomorrow's home match and look forward to appreciating our SGA students in our second themed match of the season."
As Coach Tasi alludes to, tomorrow's 4pm match with St. Thomas (MN) features recognition of the Rollins College Student Government (SGA). Women's tennis junior
Stella Fruijtier, a leader on and off the court for the Tars, is a member of SGA. Come out to support Stella, her teammates and all the fantastic members of SGA tomorrow!
