WINTER PARK, Fla. (March 6, 2026) – On a beautiful afternoon from Winter Park, it was the visiting Tommies of St. Thomas University taking Friday's match 5-2 over the Tars. Rollins got off to a hot start in doubles but just couldn't string together enough singles matches to leave victorious.
Things got underway following the ceremonial coin toss done today by Rollins College Student Government Association Senators in honor of SGA Appreciation Day. In the doubles matches to follow, Rollins had the upper hand, besting St. Thomas in two out of three duels. First, it was
Nisan Can and
Lorin Tilipman setting the tone. The pair dominated the number one match, 6-1, an impressive feat, made even more special given that the duo had not played together all season.
Equally as impressive was junior
Stella Fruijtier's determination, which was on display Friday. Fruijtier, appearing in her first match of the spring, fought alongside her partner,
Milla Falster, but the two came up short, setting the stage for a decision to be made on court three.
Alyssa Novoa and
Amina Abdulloeva were unfazed, though. The pair, also playing as a new combination, took home a 6-3 win helping earn the sought after point.
Tides began to turn the way of the Tommies in singles action. The guests clinched singles number four and number six in straight sets, taking the lead with the first two results.
Nisan Can ensured the lead wouldn't last, flipping the script with a straight set victory of her own. Can had to work for it, battling to force a tie breaker in the third where she prevailed seven games to four.
Unfortunately, with things tied at two matches apiece, it would be as close as the score would get the rest of the way. St. Thomas clinched line three singles in consecutive sets, while a win on court one officially put a stamp on the match. The Tommies would later win singles number five in a back-and-forth third set, ending the overall match up 5-2.
Ultimately, it is not the result the Tars were looking for, but a bounce back is due to come. The first opportunity takes place Monday afternoon when D'Youville visits Winter Park. Later next week, the Tuskegee Tigers come to town for Celebrate High School Tennis Day on Wednesday. Both matches will take place at 2pm.
