DeLAND, Fla. — Stetson (8-4) defeated James Madison (8-4) 5-2 on Sunday at the Mandy Stoll Tennis Center. This victory marked the fourth straight win for the Hatters, who secured triumph by capturing five of the six singles matches.

James Madison secured the doubles point with victories on courts two and three. On court one, Stetson's Kartik Mandla and Alexandre Verlaguet claimed a 6-2 win against Esteve Agusti and Aurelien Schmitt. However, the Dukes responded as Zach Fleishman and Gur Libal edged Christian Kuehne and Santia Padilla Cote, 7-6(9), and Harrison Lee and Francisco Sinopoli defeated Xavier Sarda Marti and James Lorenzetti by a score of 7-6(7) on court three.

In singles, the Hatters dominated, starting with Alexandre Verlaguet's 6-1, 6-2 victory over Esteve Agusti at No. 1 singles, marking his third straight singles win. Xavier Sarda Marti followed with a 6-1, 6-1 win against Ryan Morgan at No. 3 singles, also achieving his third consecutive singles victory, bringing the Hatters ahead. Christian Kuehne extended the lead with a 6-2, 6-4 result over Aurelien Schmitt on court two.

Santia Padilla Cote added another point for the Hatters with a 6-3, 6-1 triumph over Zach Fleishman at No. 5 singles. James Lorenzetti clinched the match for the Hatters on court four, securing a hard-fought 2-6, 6-2, 10-8 victory over Francisco Sinopoli. The Dukes' lone singles win came from Gur Libal, who defeated Mihnea Maftei 7-5, 6-4 at No. 6 singles, but it was not enough to overcome the Hatters' commanding performance.

DOUBLES
------------------------------------  
Kartik Mandla/Alexandre Verlaguet (STET) def. Esteve Agusti/Aurelien Schmitt (JMU) 6-2  
Zach Fleishman/Gur Libal (JMU) def. Christian Kuehne/Santia Padilla Cote (STET) 7-6(7)  
Harrison Lee/Francisco Sinopoli (JMU) def. Xavier Sarda Marti/James Lorenzetti (STET) 7-6(5)  

SINGLES  
------------------------------------  
Alexandre Verlaguet (STET) def. Esteve Agusti (JMU) 6-1, 6-2  
Christian Kuehne (STET) def. Aurelien Schmitt (JMU) 6-2, 6-4  
Xavier Sarda Marti (STET) def. Ryan Morgan (JMU) 6-1, 6-1  
James Lorenzetti (STET) def. Francisco Sinopoli (JMU) 2-6, 6-2, 10-8  
Santia Padilla Cote (STET) def. Zach Fleishman (JMU) 6-3, 6-1  
Gur Libal (JMU) def. Mihnea Maftei (STET) 7-5, 6-4  

WORDS FROM COACH
"I was proud of how our team responded after losing a very close doubles point. We set the tone in singles with great composure and confidence," said Coach John Shade. "We're happy to get this team victory and look forward to our next match."

NEXT UP

About Stetson Athletics
At Stetson University, student-athletes don't just compete—they thrive. Located in historic DeLand, Florida, between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Stetson offers the perfect blend of competitive athletics, academic excellence, and an unbeatable Central Florida lifestyle. As the oldest private university in the region, Stetson supports approximately 500 student-athletes across 19 NCAA Division I sports. Nicknamed the "Hatters" after the institution's namesake John B. Stetson, a hat manufacturer who originated the modern-day cowboy hat, most Stetson athletic teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, where they proudly hold the longest active membership since 1985. With top-tier facilities, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, Stetson is where students can grow, compete, and succeed. Learn more at GoHatters.com or follow social media accounts @StetsonHatters.