WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - [CHAMPIONSHIP CENTRAL] - Barry University continued its dynasty in the Sunshine State Conference tournament on Sunday, capturing its eighth consecutive and 20th overall SSC Tournament title with a 4-1 win over Florida Southern at the Mitch Gornto Tennis Center at Palm Beach Atlantic's Rinker Athletic Campus.
The No. 3-nationally ranked Buccaneers overcame an early doubles deficit to claim victory. Florida Southern's No. 41 duo of Chris Fok Kow and Mario Garoz opened doubles play with a 6-2 win over Barry's No. 39 tandem of Leo Caill and Adam Lynch. However, Barry quickly responded. The No. 40 pairing of Gabriele Felline and Tim Riedel defeated Bosko Boskovic and George Russell 6-4 at No. 2 doubles, and Yan Kodjoed and Riccardo Trione sealed the doubles point for Barry with a 6-4 win at No. 3.
In singles action, Barry dominated the courts, winning three of the four completed matches. FSC's Garoz earned a straight-sets win over Kodjoed (6-0, 6-4) at No. 3 singles to tie the dual. Ariel Meshulam responded with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Boskovic at No. 6. Tim Riedel then delivered a 6-1, 6-2 victory at No. 4, followed by Adam Lynch’s commanding 6-3, 6-0 win at No. 5 to clinch the championship for the Bucs.
At the top of the lineup, both Riccardo Trione (#37) and Gabriele Felline (#68) were leading their matches when play was halted.
With the win, Barry claims the SSC's automatic bid to the 2025 NCAA Division II Championships. NCAA postseason selections will be announced Monday, May 5. Regional rounds will take place at non-predetermined campus sites between May 9-13. The finals will be held at Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs, Florida, with the men's tournament running May 20-24. Rollins College and the Greater Orlando Sports Commission will serve as hosts.
Barry will now set its sights on defending its national title as the road to another NCAA championship begins.