BOCA RATON, Fla. (May 2, 2026) – For the first time since 2007, the men of Rollins found themselves in the Sunshine State Conference title match. After a hot start, the Tars just couldn't string together victories on the solo courts, falling to defending conference champion, Barry, 4-1.
 
Back on March 7^th, these two powerful foes collided in a match that had just about everything you could ask for. Everything except for a Rollins doubles point. That changed in today's battle when the visitors on the scoreboard powered ahead behind an epic 7-5 finish from the top line.
 
Lawson Prather and Nico de Giacomo came out firing, putting their match away in 6-4 fashion. Shortly following, Barry's middle defended the Buccaneers' fleet by the same score. That meant court one would prove to be the difference maker. Trading momentum swings, Pete Tran and Richard Stoiberer ultimately stamped a Tars lead with their efforts. With the initial point being awarded to Rollins, it was Barry's first deficit in the last six matches.
 
There is a reason the top seeded Bucs have not been overcome this season. Following the doubles decision, Barry responded with wins on courts four and two, inching ahead by way of straight setters. At number two, Fabian Gusic did not back down from the challenge presented in Barry's Yan Kodjoed. The Buccaneers' sophomore ranks second nationally and was undefeated playing from court two entering today. The energized Tars senior fought, but fell 4-6, 4-6 in the process.
 
Playing with the lead, Barry extended their advantage from court three. Rollins captain Nico de Giacomo fell there, and the match was sealed from the end of the line after Pete Tran was eluded in a tiebreaker second set.
 
Meanwhile, from line five, defending SSC Player of the Week, Mo Anterist was in prime position to bolster his resume. The outstanding sophomore was ahead 4-0 in a deciding third set at the time of dismissal. Also amidst a third set battle was Lawson Prather, who found himself even at a game apiece when the clinch format came into effect.
 
While the SSC Championship result is not what the Tars hoped for, everything is still on the table. Looking back to how this season was predicted to unfold, the journey leading into today's bout was impressive, too.
 
"We obviously didn't come here to lose, but it feels a little good to be picked 5 in the preseason poll and finish solidly second," head Coach Jay Friedman shared post-match.
 
But outperforming expectations was not the ceiling, a reality that is not lost on Friedman's team.
 
"I think the guys have the right attitude," he continued. "They aren't happy, but they have an energy that feels like they know there is more to this season still coming next week."
 
Next week starts a new season, where the opportunity at history is fully present. The men are just one win away from the most in over twenty seasons. But you would have to go back even further to find the goal that the team ultimately set out for when the year began: A national title. That feat has not been done since 2001. The first opponent standing in Rollins way will be announced during Monday night's NCAA Selection Show.
 
For the latest on the Tars first round matchup and where the men will be playing, stay tuned at Rollinssports.com.