Tampa, Fla. -- The Stetson University women's tennis team dropped its first match of 2022 as the Hatters fell 4-3 to University of South Florida on the road Wednesday afternoon. 

The Hatters (7-1) entered Wednesday's match with a perfect 7-0 record, but the Bulls (1-7) spoiled Stetson's win streak. The Hatters' afternoon began with a 2-1 loss in doubles action as Anais Gabriel and Noa Cohen picked up Stetson's only doubles win on the day with a 6-1 victory on court 3.

After falling behind 1-0 in doubles, the Hatters immediately bounced back as Alanna Di Francesco got Stetson on the board on court 5. On courts 3 and 4, Cohen and freshman Cheri Darley came away with victories in their matches as Darley won 6-1 in set one and then pulled out a 7-5 win in set two. Cohen and Margriet Timmermans went three sets, but it was Cohen that came out on top with a 6-1 win in set three. 

The Hatters and the Bulls split their singles matches 3-3, but it was USF came out on top with the 4-3 win thanks to their 2-1 win in doubles action. 

"It was a tough loss today. We competed hard and so did USF," said head coach Travis Sandlant. "The doubles were key. We had a match point in doubles and that was the difference at the end of the day."

The Hatters continue play this weekend as Stetson welcomes Oakland University and St. John's University to the Mandy Stoll Tennis Center on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 26 and 27. First serve is set for 10 a.m. on both days. 
 

About Stetson University Athletics: Stetson University's Athletics Program is driven by a shared purpose. It is what inspires, motivates and binds us together. More than a task, a reason for being. THE HATTER PURPOSE is to create and provide an experience of a lifetime through teamwork and relationships to achieve excellence. This purpose is achieved through five Core Values: Communication, Integrity, Excellence, Value People and Commitment. To learn more about the HATS program and our Core Values, visit GoHatters.com/HATS.

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