Unlike any other year, No. 2 Keiser women's tennis will have a tough test to begin the new year with the Division II reigning National Champions, No. 2 Nova Southeastern, on Tuesday and the Division II runners-up, No. 1 Barry, on Thursday. First serve on Tuesday from the NSU Tennis Center in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. is set for 2:00 p.m., while Thursday's match at the Buccaneer Tennis Center in Miami Shores, Fla. is set for 2:00 p.m.
About the Seahawks
- Keiser enters the new year with three players in the top 10 in the singles rankings and two doubles teams in the top 20
- Violet Apisah holds the highest ranking in the NAIA at No. 1 overall after winning her second ITA Cup in the fall
- Just behind her are No. 5 Cato Tangkau and No. 6 Eloise de Mooij who also made appearances at the ITA Cup
- de Mooij and Vanja Vidanovic hold the No. 3 spot in doubles with Tangkau and Yeva Kononovych slotted at No. 20
- The Seahawks are 15-5 all-time in spring season openers
Seahawks Against the Opponent
Keiser vs. Nova Southeastern
Series Record: The Seahawks are 2-9 all-time against the Sharks.
Last Meeting: NSU defeated KU 5-2 on March 9, 2024.
Scouting the Sharks: Nova Southeastern won a program record 27 games during their run to the first NCAA Division II national championship in team history during the 2024 season. Kristyna Hranacova and Isabella Ciancaglini were the standouts during the fall schedule with a run to the ITA South Region Final in doubles, falling in the championship, 5-7, 7(13)-6(11), 7-10. The Sharks will have to look to their newcomers for wins this season, as Head Coach Doug Neggle attempts to replace 57 wins on the top three courts from players that have graduated or moved on.
Keiser vs. Barry
Series Record: The Seahawks are 3-11 all-time against the Buccaneers.
Last Meeting: Barry defeated Keiser 4-3 on March 14, 2024.
Scouting the Buccaneers: The eight-time NCAA Division II champions fell short of a seven-peat last season, falling to NSU in the championship match, 4-2. The Buccaneers have played in the championship match every year since 2014. Alina Michalitsch is the top player for Barry after winning the South Region Singles Title in October. Behind her are three more players ranked in the top 50 in Division II.
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