Spartans Knock Off No. 15 Nova Southeastern in Season Opener

TAMPA, Fla. – The University of Tampa tennis team had a grand opening for the 2017 season, knocking off No. 15 Nova Southeastern University in its regular-season opener.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Tampa Spartans 5, No. 15 Nova Southeastern Sharks 4
Records: Tampa (1-0, 1-0 SSC), Nova Southeastern (3-3, 1-1 SSC)
Location: Naimoli and Young Family Complex | Tampa, Fla.
All-time Series: Nova Southeastern leads the all-time series 17-3.
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• Nova Southeastern grabbed a 2-1 lead following doubles action, winning the number one and two matches.
• The three doubles team for UT of Ava Sowell and Danielle Beyes picked up a 9-7 win.
• The Spartans went 4-2 in singles to tilt the match. UT took the three through six events as Nova won the one and two matches.
• Beyes clinched the match for UT from the six spot, winning 6-0, 4-6, 6-4.
• Freshman Lilley Nice won at number-three singles by scores of 7-6 (7-3), 6-4.
• Maddie Stephens won at four, 6-3, 6-0.
• In the number five event, Sowell was victorious 6-3, 6-0.

BEYOND THE BOXSCORE:

• The win over the No. 15 team in the nation marks the highest-ranked opponent UT has defeated in program history.
• UT's scheduled regular-season opener was postponed on Saturday, as the Spartans will host Palm Beach Atlantic on February 28 in the make-up match.

UP NEXT: The Spartans return to action on Saturday when they ntravel to Daytona Beach, Fla., to meet Embry-Riddle University. The match will start at 11 a.m.

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