Hatters Host FGCU in ASUN Opener

Stetson women's tennis begins Atlantic Sun Conference play when the Hatters host FGCU, 2 p.m., Thursday at Mandy Stoll Tennis Center. ASUN play continues on Saturday when the Hatters visit North Florida.

First-year head coach Travis Sandlant, who won a pair of ASUN titles (2012, 2013) as head coach at East Tennessee State, is anxious to return to league play. Sandlant last coached an ASUN match in 2014 before ETSU left for the Southern Conference.

"It's obviously exciting to be playing teams that you already have some knowledge on," he said. "It's a conference I've had success in and I want to continue to have that success."

While the Hatters have struggled their way to a 3-10 overall record, two wins last week have helped Sandlant see some improvement and reason for optimism as conference season begins.

"It's always good to have some wins under your belt before you head into conference play," he said. "We have probably our toughest two matches coming up straightaway. At least we'll know where we're at and see what we need to work on."

Another reason for optimism is the recent return of senior Isabella Fernandez to the lineup. Fernandez returned last week and won twice at both doubles and singles, helping to give the Hatters some added depth moving forward.

"Not having Isabella probably cost us some matches early in the year," Sandlant said. "When you lose a player who's played in the top three all throughout her collegiate career, that's going to hurt you a little bit. It's nice to have her back."

Three freshmen have played important roles for the Hatters this spring and Sandlant expects that to continue as conference play begins. Sofia Ferding, Danielle Peele and Lucie Renault have combined for 14 singles victories, while Ferding & Renault are 5-5 as Stetson's No. 2 doubles team.

"You don't know how they're going to respond their first year in college tennis," Sandlant said. "I've been happy with the way they've played. For a young group, overall, they've been very competitive."

If the Hatters are to have team success in ASUN play, Sandlant sees one primary key.

"The doubles point is huge," he said. "That's where we can get some momentum. That's going to be the difference for us. We're very capable of going 50-50 in singles play with the top teams in the conference. There's no question about that."

Thursday's match -- and all home contests -- are free and open to the public.

--SU--

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

Sofia Ferding: 5' 8"; Freshman

Isabella Fernandez: 5' 6"; Senior

Danielle Peele: 5' 8"; Freshman

Lucie Renault: 5' 9"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

Sofia Ferding
: 5' 8"; Freshman

Isabella Fernandez
: 5' 6"; Senior

Danielle Peele
: 5' 8"; Freshman

Lucie Renault
: 5' 9"; Freshman

Stetson University Athletics

Scoreboard

Tickets, donate, shop

Hatters Host FGCU in ASUN Opener

Players Mentioned

Sofia Ferding

Isabella Fernandez

Danielle Peele

Lucie Renault

Players Mentioned

Sofia Ferding

Isabella Fernandez

Danielle Peele

Lucie Renault