ATHENS, Ga. – Stetson fell to Southern California, 4-0, in the final day of the ITA National Kick Off Weekend, Saturday afternoon at the Magill Tennis Center. While the score was the same as Friday's match with Georgia, the Hatters were up a set on court 4 and battling in the third set on court 5.
"I thought we battled well today," head coach
Travis Sandlant said "We took it to them in a lot of positions. Doubles was right there again. It was a great experience and a realization that we can mix it with the best. This will build our confidence for the remainder of the season."
USC took control of doubles but had a struggle as Stetson took multiple games on each court. Naomi Cheong and Snow Han opened up the scoring in doubles, taking court 1, 6-2.
Noa Cohen and
Anais Gabriel battled Grace Piper and Nathalie Rodilosso but fell, 6-3, giving the women of Troy the opening point.
Cheri Darley and Pilar Harper trailed, but took three games off the ITA number 20 pairing in the country on court 2.
Up against the number 2 ranked single's player in the country, Madison Sieg, Darley battled but fell 6-3, 6-0.
Alanna DiFrancesco fell similarly to Eryn Cayetano [ITA #24 singles ranked] 6-3, 6-1. Harper continued strong play, but fell on court 6 against Mckenna Koenig 6-1, 6-4, confirming the match for Southern California. On court 3, Gabriel was giving the ITA 17 ranked singles player Han a hard-fought matchup that went 6-2, 4-4 and unfinished but favoring USC. Magda Hedzrak was on top of 83rd-single's ranked Emma Charney 6-1, 4-3 when play was suspended.
Hatter women's tennis return to Florida for a cluster of matches, six in the next seven days with five taking place at Mandy Stoll Tennis Center. The next match is a Saturday [Feb. 4] men's and women's double as both Hatter squads face Florida National at 10 a.m., then Atlantis at 3:30 p.m.
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 (PDF).
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