In a highly anticipated matchup at the 2024 AAC Championship quarterfinals, the No. 5 seed University of South Florida Bulls faced off against the No. 4 seed Rice Owls on Friday afternoon in Dallas, Texas. Both teams entered the quarterfinals with strong rankings, with South Florida ranked No. 59 nationally and Rice ranked No. 57 by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA).
The competition kicked off with doubles play, where Rice quickly gained the upper hand, securing the crucial doubles point with victories on Courts 2 and 3, with scores of 6-3 and 6-4 respectively. Despite the Bulls’ efforts to mount a comeback, Rice’s solid play in doubles set the stage for a challenging singles competition.
In singles action, Rice continued to assert their dominance, securing victories on Courts 3, 1, and 5, ultimately clinching the match with a 4-0 win over the Bulls. Despite a valiant effort from the South Florida team, they were unable to overcome Rice’s strong performance in both doubles and singles play.
With this loss, the University of South Florida Bulls conclude their AAC Championship run, finishing the season with a record of 12 wins and 11 losses. Although the outcome was not in their favor, the Bulls showcased determination and resilience throughout the season, and they will undoubtedly use this experience to fuel their future success on the court.
For more information and updates on the Bulls’ tennis program, visit the official website at [gousfbulls.com](https://gousfbulls.com/news/2024/4/19/womens-tennis-bulls-fall-to-rice-owls-in-aac-quarterfinals.aspx).
