Spartans Sweep Ave Maria on Senior Day in Final Home Match of 2026
TAMPA, Fla. – The University of Tampa tennis team closed out its 2026 home slate in dominant fashion on Wednesday afternoon, sweeping Ave Maria 7–0 at the Naimoli & Young Family Tennis Complex. Prior to first serve, the Spartans honored Max Lippens, the program's lone senior, as part of Senior Day festivities during Tampa's final home match of the season.
Final Score: Tampa 7, Ave Maria 0
Records: Tampa (7–13), Ave Maria (2–13)
Location: Naimoli & Young Family Tennis Complex | Tampa, Fla.
Series History: Tampa now holds a 2-0 advantage in the all-time series, with this marking the first meeting since 2013.
How It Happened
Tampa wasted little time setting the tone, sweeping all three doubles courts to secure a quick 1–0 lead.
- Karine Kulidjian and Alexandra Chebli clinched the doubles point with a 6–4 win at the top spot.
- Max Lippens and Mia Zorrilla cruised to a 6–0 victory at No. 2.
- Sophie Wagner and Gabi Sanchez rounded out the sweep on court three.
In singles play, the Spartans continued their momentum, winning all six courts.
- Competing on Senior Day, Max Lippens earned a straight‑set win at No. 1 singles.
- Alexandra Chebli and Mia Zorrilla both posted identical 6–1, 6–1 victories.
- Sophie Wagner delivered the most dramatic result of the afternoon, rallying from a first‑set loss to win in a third‑set super‑tiebreak.
- Tampa completed the sweep with wins at the bottom of the lineup to close out the match.
Doubles Results
Karine Kulidjian / Alexandra Chebli (Tampa) def. Mariangel Nunez / Maria Hofmeister (AMU) 6–4
Max Lippens / Mia Zorrilla (Tampa) def. Elizabeth Pince / Melana Mourad (AMU) 6–0
Sophie Wagner / Gabi Sanchez (Tampa) def. Ave Maria (AMU) 1–0
Singles Results
Max Lippens (Tampa) def. Mariangel Nunez (AMU) 6–1, 6–4
Alexandra Chebli (Tampa) def. Elizabeth Pince (AMU) 6–1, 6–1
Mia Zorrilla (Tampa) def. Maria Hofmeister (AMU) 6–1, 6–1
Sophie Wagner (Tampa) def. Melana Mourad (AMU) 1–6, 6–0, 10–7
Karine Kulidjian (Tampa) def. Ave Maria (AMU) 1–0
Gabi Sanchez (Tampa) def. Ave Maria (AMU) 1–0
Up Next
The Spartans close the regular season on the road, traveling to face Valdosta State on April 18 at 10:00 a.m. at the VSU Tennis Courts in Valdosta, Ga.