FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. (April 24, 2026) – The Tars fell at the hands of Florida Southern in the opening round of SSC Tournament play Friday morning by a score of 4-1 in favor of the opposition. The third seeded Mocs nabbed the doubles point and were just too much to overcome on the singles side.
Rollins earned a berth in the SSC quarterfinals behind five league wins amid a stout Sunshine State Conference schedule – tied for a program best since 2017. Navigating a regular season schedule that featured nine top twenty five opponents, the Tars were battle tested entering tournament play. Even after dropping the doubles point, the visitors from Winter Park fought, a trait they used to overcome an early deficit the last time these two foes met. Friday, unfortunately, ended with the eighth ranked Mocs advancing to Saturday's semifinals.
The early lead was captured courtesy of Florida Southern's wins on lines two and three. Playing under the clinch format, the top court of doubles was cut short once the point was secured. Nonetheless,
Alyssa Novoa and
Lorin Tilipman's smooth playing had helped them pace out ahead five games to three at the time of match suspension.
The lead on line one carried momentum for both headline duo players. Novoa and Tilipman each were into a third set at the time the overall match was clinched.
First, the Mocs snagged court three despite the relentless efforts of
Milla Falster. The senior played across four lines this season, willing to compete wherever she was slotted within the lineup. Veteran counterpart
Sydney Eckstein fell on court six to follow. Both seniors, demonstrated extreme class all season, leading by example. Their impact was evident, especially last week in the midst of an emotional senior day win.
Down to their final match, the Tars did not quit. With Tilipman's back against the wall, the sophomore worked out of a jam, buying more court time for herself and her comrades.
Nisan Can took advantage. After a gritty first set led to a 7-6 tiebreaking win, Can prevailed in straight sets behind a 6-4 showing in set number two. Good for her 18
th singles win on the season, the most this decade by any member of the program, the newcomer put Rollins on the board.
Across all courts, the Tars kept quarreling, trying to steer the ship back in their favor. Ultimately, the Mocs were just too much from line five.
Amina Abdulloeva showed resolve, especially in the second set, where things almost got pushed into a tiebreaker. Yet, Florida Southern came away with the win on the court and in the match.
Elsewhere, Tilipman's "no-quit" mindset found her in a third, the same place
Alyssa Novoa was shifting her gears. Both sophomore newcomers put together standout campaigns during their first spring in Winter Park.
For Novoa, an ITA Cup appearance in the fall proved to be the precursor for a special season from the top court. Currently ranked third nationally among all singles competitors, Novoa is poised for more accolades to come.
The same can be said for this program, with a direction trending upwards and the best statistical season since 2014. The dedication of the Tars student-athletes and coaches cannot be understated, and that work will only continue to maintain the Rollins Women's Tennis name among the nation's best programs. Stay tuned as the journey continues…
