DeLAND, Fla. — The Stetson Hatters men's tennis team opens postseason play on Wednesday as the No. 3 seed in the ASUN Championship, facing No. 6 seed Lipscomb at 5:00 p.m. at the FGCU Tennis Complex.
The Hatters enter the tournament following a strong 2026 campaign that saw them post an 11-6 record, highlighted by a six-match winning streak and a dominant 9-2 mark at home. Stetson will look to carry that momentum into Fort Myers as it begins its pursuit of an ASUN title.
Leading the way for the Hatters is All-ASUN First Team selection Alexandre Verlaguet, who anchored the lineup at No. 1 singles throughout the season with a 10-4 record against top competition. Xavier Sarda Marti, an All-ASUN Second Team honoree, provided consistency in the middle of the lineup with an 8-2 record, while Christian Kuehne delivered clutch performances at No. 2, including multiple match-clinching victories during conference play.
Stetson also features strong depth throughout the lineup, with contributors such as Santiago Padilla Cote and Mihnea Maftei playing key roles down the stretch. In doubles, the pairing of Verlaguet and Kartik Mandla has been a steady presence at the top spot, helping the Hatters secure early momentum in several matches this season.
The matchup with Lipscomb presents a familiar conference challenge, as both teams look to advance to the semifinals. With the postseason format heightening every point, doubles will once again be a key factor in setting the tone early.
Stetson will also look to build off last season's run, when the Hatters advanced to the ASUN Championship match before finishing as runner-up to North Alabama.
With a balanced lineup, postseason experience, and momentum from a strong regular season, the Hatters enter the ASUN Championship with confidence as they begin their title pursuit on Wednesday evening.
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.
