Florida Gulf Coast University advanced to the ASUN Tournament Championship Match after defeating Lipscomb, 4-2, in the semifinals on April 17. The third-seeded Eagles will face top-seeded North Florida for the title.
This marks FGCU’s seventh appearance in the ASUN Tournament final. The team will try to claim its first tournament championship against a North Florida squad that narrowly beat them earlier this season.
The semifinal match began with FGCU securing the doubles point. Africa Burillo Berezak and Ashley Matz won at No. 3 doubles, while Nora Svensson and June Bjork clinched the decisive point at No. 1 doubles. In singles play, Cecilie Maeland gave FGCU an early lead before Lipscomb responded with two victories to even the score. Freshman Sabrina Jaramillo regained momentum for FGCU with her three-set win at No. 5 singles—her 21st of the season, which is second-most for a freshman in program history—before Anjali Kotecha secured victory at No. 6 singles.
“I kind of just stuck to my game plan the whole match,” Kotecha stated, emphasizing consistency and practice as key factors in her performance.
Kotecha also commented on team spirit: “I saw Ashley fighting so hard, I saw everyone fighting so hard, I saw the support, like, it was incredible.” Looking ahead to facing undefeated North Florida (24-0), she said: “We have nothing to lose, you know, we’re so strong, we’re confident, we’re a team to beat,” underscoring confidence and unity within the squad.
FGCU is now 15-13 all-time in ASUN Tournament play and holds a 3-1 record against Lipscomb in tournament meetings. As they prepare for their next challenge against North Florida—the only remaining undefeated team nationally—the Eagles aim to avenge another regular-season loss.
