Tars Defeat Spartans in 2026 Tennis Opener
WINTER PARK, Fla. – The University of Tampa tennis team hit the road for its 2026 season opener and first Sunshine State Conference matchup, traveling to face Rollins College on Saturday afternoon. Despite several competitive stretches throughout singles play, the Spartans were unable to break through as the Tars defended their home courts.
Final Score: Rollins College 7, University of Tampa Spartans 0
Location: Copeland Stadium Tennis Courts | Winter Park, Fla.
Records: Tampa (0-1, 0-1 SSC), Rollins (1-0, 1-0 SSC)
Series History: Rollins now holds a 31-4 lead in the all-time series.
How it Happened
Rollins set the tone early by sweeping all three doubles courts. The Tampa pairings of Ida Axelsson/Rebecca Presley, Karine Kulidjian/Alexandra Chebli, and Max Lippens/Linn Eriksson Sundling each battled through long rallies, but the Tars controlled the key points and secured a 1–0 lead heading into singles.
In singles play, Tampa showed resilience across multiple courts. Court four delivered the most dramatic moment of the day, where Ida Axelsson captured a tight first set before pushing the match to a deciding tiebreak. Despite her grit, Rollins edged out the final frame to take the point.
Mia Zorrilla also mounted a strong response on court six, forcing a competitive second set after dropping the opener. Her late surge wasn't quite enough, as Rollins closed out the match in straight sets.
Across the lineup, the Spartans continued to fight, but Rollins ultimately claimed all six singles courts to secure the 7–0 final.
Doubles Results
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Alyssa Novoa / Amina Taibi (RC) def. Ida Axelsson / Rebecca Presley (UT) 6–1
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Milla Falster / Nisan Can (RC) def. Karine Kulidjian / Alexandra Chebli (UT) 6–1
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Lorin Tilipman / Amina Abdulloeva (RC) def. Max Lippens / Linn Eriksson Sundling (UT) 6–1
Singles Results
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Alyssa Novoa (RC) def. Rebecca Presley (UT) 6–4, 6–3
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Amina Taibi (RC) def. Nicole Casas (UT) 6–1, 6–1
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Nisan Can (RC) def. Karine Kulidjian (UT) 6–2, 6–0
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Milla Falster (RC) def. Ida Axelsson (UT) 6–7, 6–2, 10–7
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Lorin Tilipman (RC) def. Linn Eriksson Sundling (UT) 6–0, 6–0
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Amina Abdulloeva (RC) def. Mia Zorrilla (UT) 6–2, 7–6
Up Next
Tampa returns home to host Army on Friday at 3 p.m., at the Naimoli & Young Family Tennis Complex.
