FORT MYERS, Fla. — Stetson University (13-6) made program history on Saturday, defeating North Florida (15-8) 4-3 at the FGCU Tennis Complex to claim its first ASUN Championship title. The victory snaps a previous 0-9 mark in championship matches and delivers the Hatters their long-awaited breakthrough.
Trailing after doubles, Stetson showed resilience throughout singles play, winning four matches to complete the comeback and secure the title.
North Florida took the early advantage by claiming the doubles point with wins on courts three and one. The No. 2 doubles match featuring Christian Kuehne and Santiago Padilla Cote was left unfinished.
In singles, Stetson responded immediately. Padilla Cote evened the match with a dominant 6-0, 6-1 win at No. 4. North Florida regained the lead at No. 1 singles, but the Hatters continued to battle.
Xavier Sarda Marti delivered a key point at No. 3 singles, winning 6-3, 2-6, 6-2 to tie the match once again. Marc Saura followed with a clutch comeback at No. 5, rallying for a 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 victory to give Stetson its first lead of the match.
The Ospreys answered at No. 6 singles, setting up a winner-take-all moment on court two.
With the championship on the line, Christian Kuehne rose to the occasion. The senior battled through a three-set match and delivered the decisive point, defeating Youssef Labbene 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 to clinch the 4-3 victory and the ASUN title for the Hatters. Kuehne's performance earned him ASUN Championship MVP honors.
Stetson also saw standout performances throughout the tournament from Alexandre Verlaguet and Xavier Sarda Marti, who were both named to the All-Tournament Team.
DOUBLES
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Aron Major/Andreas Scott (UNF) def. Kartik Mandla/Alexandre Verlaguet (STET) 7-6(4)
Christian Kuehne/Santia Padilla Cote (STET) vs. Riccardo Ciulli/Youssef Labbene (UNF) 6-6 (unfinished)
Breno Marques/Joao Portugal (UNF) def. Xavier Sarda Marti/Marc Saura (STET) 6-4
Order of finish: 3, 1
SINGLES
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Andreas Scott (UNF) def. Alexandre Verlaguet (STET) 6-3, 6-2
Christian Kuehne (STET) def. Youssef Labbene (UNF) 6-3, 3-6, 7-5
Xavier Sarda Marti (STET) def. Kyle Piqueras (UNF) 6-3, 2-6, 6-2
Santia Padilla Cote (STET) def. Joao Portugal (UNF) 6-0, 6-1
Marc Saura (STET) def. Breno Marques (UNF) 3-6, 6-4, 6-3
Aron Major (UNF) def. James Lorrenzetti (STET) 7-6(4), 6-4
Order of finish: 4, 1, 3, 6, 5, 2
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.
