Results
LAKELAND, Fla. – The Eckerd College women's tennis program again clashed against one of the nation's top-ranked opponents, contesting No. 11 Florida Southern College in defeat on Tuesday afternoon, 9-0.
The Tritons (0-3, 0-2 SSC) played the Moccasins (1-1, 1-1 SSC) almost one week removed from taking on sixth-ranked Lynn on the road in Boca Raton to begin the Sunshine State Conference slate.
Florida Southern also came into the afternoon match ranked sixth in the first edition of the South Region rankings.
"The women had a very tough match against a highly-ranked team in our conference," stated EC interim head coach
Ben Maxwell. "Florida Southern has always been a powerhouse."
"Amy (Naula) showed guts this afternoon, playing a very competitive match," continued Maxwell. "She has been struggling with her game the past few weeks due to some time off before the season, but she played great today and I am proud to see her making the necessary adjustments to be competitive. Gipson (Hawn) also played a very good second set in her match today. Her effort was admirable and it's great to see her progress as the season goes on."
Anchored by a pair of ranked players in Magda Riutort (No. 22 nationally, No. 9 regionally) and Sabine Goge (No. 36 nationally, No. 11 regionally), the Mocs had a potent tandem to lead the way as the scores sifted out.
Riutort and Goge faced EC juniors
Gipson Hawn and
Carson Trapp in the No. 1 and No. 2 singles contests. Hawn was able to get four games in the second set from Riutort before the straight-set decision on the court.
The combination of Riutort and Goge again teamed up to lead doubles as they worked an 8-2 final versus the combined efforts of Hawn and junior
Erika Fridrik.
Junior
Amy Naula pushed her second set into the seventh game against Christie Nunnemann in the final singles battle.
The sister duo of Erika and
Emily Fridrik played out the No. 3 and No. 4 singles spots and junior
Katie Benn rounded out the lineup in the No. 5 position.
Eckerd will return to the Turley Athletic Complex for the team's second home dual of the spring on Saturday, playing host to third-ranked Barry University for a 10 a.m. conference/regional battle.
