TAMPA (February 25, 2024) – The University of South Florida Bulls (4-6) women's tennis team battled in a matchup against No. 11 Auburn on Sunday afternoon to open an eight-match homestand, but fell to the Tigers, 7-0.

"Auburn proved why they are one of the best teams in the country," said head coach Cristiana Moros. "Our team is playing a very tough schedule and because of that we got great experience today against a top-ranked team. We were right with them in seven of the nine matches we put out there and I know our team gained some confidence to carry into our next matches."

In doubles, the Bulls kept things close with the Tigers, including a Court 2 victory from Marta Falceto Font and Ireland Simme, but Auburn ultimately took the doubles team point on with wins on the other two courts.

Singles action saw USF push three opening sets to a 5-6 score from Grace Schumacher, Gargai Pawar and Kelly Vargas, while Simme went the distance in three sets. However, Auburn, who had four players ranked in the ITA Top 105 in singles, would find the upper hand across all six courts to take the victory.

Simme went toe-to-toe with her opponent on Court 6, dropping the opener, 7-5, winning set two, 8-6, and falling in a tiebreaker to end the day.

Up Next
The Bulls continue their challenging slate on Wednesday, February 28 when No. 70 Michigan State comes to Tampa for a 12 p.m. match.
  
About Women's Tennis
Be sure to follow USF women's tennis on social media (Twitter / Facebook / Instagram) and visit GoUSFBulls.com for the most up-to-date information.

Head coach Cristina Moros, a former collegiate national champion and four-time All-American, is in her ninth year at the helm entering the 2023-24 season. She was named the 2017 AAC Coach of the Year after leading the Bulls to the conference championship that season.
 
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