PENSACOLA, Fla. (May 12, 2026) – The Tars fell at the hands of West Florida Tuesday afternoon, ending their season in the South Regional Final. After clinching the doubles point, West Florida responded across four singles courts to take the match 4-1.
 
Rollins once again came out of duo action on top behind wins from courts two and three. The Tars stayed tough despite being in a hole following the Argos win from the top line. The host's advantage did not last long, though, thanks to Mo Anterist and Fabian Gusic. The German Giants were on target all day, striking with accuracy and precision that would rival Gabriel Clemens, a fellow native man and dart throwing phenom whom they share a nickname with. The pair's 6-3 winner turned all eyes towards court three. There, just as they had done a day prior, Lawson Prather and Nico de Giacomo were making things happen.
 
After trading games in the early going, the Rollins tandem snuck away, sending a statement. Despite the road atmosphere, the Tars had managed to nab the first mover advantage. The result triggered only the third time all season that West Florida had surrendered the initial lead. Further, it was the first time since 2010 that Rollins had topped the Argos on the doubles courts. For Prather and de Giacomo, the win was good for their 18^th of the season, a program best this decade.
 
Singles got underway with West Florida's top ranked Sebastian Rondon squaring things at one from the top line. On the other end of the lineup, the Argos positioned themselves at the front courtesy of a win at singles number six. From there, it was an absolute battle. Tension seemed to hang over all remaining courts like the ominous clouds above while uncertainty pierced spectators given what was at stake – a spot in the NCAA Finals.
 
The hosts inched their way to the doorstep of a win following a tight tussle on court five. Anterist drew the fifth line assignment for the Tars and his competitive approach never wavered. After dropping a tiebreak in the first set, the sophomore picked himself off the mat and fought some more. While set two ended once again in the home team's favor, Anterist's performance rallied those around him. Right beside him, senior captain Richard Stoiberer had overcome a one set deficit to crawl into a match decider. Elsewhere, on court three, Nico de Giacomo faced the same fate after swapping sets with his opponent. Finally, where the match ultimately ended, Fabian Gusic was fighting tooth and nail from his post at court two.
 
Gusic snatched a lead from the ITA's third ranked singles player, Diego Duran in the first stage of their bout. In the second, Duran evened the score with stout playing, setting up a winner-take-all third. Falling behind 6-5, and with his back firmly pressed against the wall, Gusic would not quit. The veteran secured the pivotal sequence, sending things to a tiebreaker. While points shifted back-and-forth early on, West Florida's Duran eventually won out, sending his team to the finals and ending Rollins' season.
 
Still, for anyone looking on at Gusic's resiliency, or by observing any of his supportive teammates, they would have to be impressed by the visitor's output. And while the quest of a national title falls short, there are still plenty of things to be proud of for this group. Post game, head coach Jay Friedman shared similar sentiments with a covering columnist:
 
"For four matches in a row we were surrounded by the opposition, and we played incredibly tough from start to finish," he affirmed.
 
 
Friedman continued his proud sentiment saying, "This was a very special team. They were really fun to coach; locked in when the cards were stacked against us, competed in the classroom like nothing I've ever seen, and all around just really good people."
 
The group was led by three stellar seniors, all of which left their mark on the program that will be felt for years to come. Friedman felt the same.
 
"The growth I experienced in the seniors was remarkable, from start to finish each of them really developed so much and it will be hard to imagine them not being with us,"
 
Richard Stoiberer exits Winter Park with numerous all conference accolades, all-American status, academic prestige and another special award to his name (stay tuned). Gusic departs following an all-conference season, double-digit wins in both singles and doubles from line two and sharing in academic high marks off the court. Finally, Eltavious Johnson's tenure as team manager draws to a close, but not before his leadership, commitment and service to the Rollins College community inspired everyone around him off the court - not to mention, his undefeated career record!
 
But this team's story is far from over. While the horn sounded on the senior's career today, the echo of their legacy lives on in the young core that will return to Winter Park hungrier than ever. Friedman noted his optimism for that group, too.
 
"It's tough to see us turn off the lights on this unique group. Good thing the core is coming back, and I look forward to the growth they bring as upperclassmen."
 
For all the Tars tennis updates, be sure to check out Rollinssports.com. Here, you will find the latest postseason accolades, program updates and all you need to know as the Rollins men's tennis journey continues. I can assure you; it will be a fun journey to follow.