The Gators tennis teams schedule top-ranked non-conference opponents in the regular season to prepare for the NCAA Tournament. But in the round of 16 in Athens, Ga., both teams will face a Southeastern Conference opponent.
The No. 3 women’s team (26-2) takes on No. 17 Mississippi (17-5) today at 9 a.m.
When the teams played in Gainesville on March 28, UF won easily 6-1. While the Rebels may be looking forward to playing the Gators on a neutral court, they should know it’s a court where Florida has performed well. By defeating Georgia on the road and winning the SEC Tournament, the Gators are 4-0 this season at the Dan Magill Tennis Complex.
UF coach Roland Thornqvist downplayed the Athens familiarity factor in today’s match.
“Having experience in Georgia is not going to give us a 1-0 start in the match,” Thornqvist said.
What gives Florida an increased chance of going up 1-0 is the change made in doubles since the last time UF played Mississippi. Sophomore Joanna Mather, who battled a foot injury earlier this season, recently switched places with senior Anastasia Revzina to play the No. 2 position with freshman Lauren Embree.
Thornqvist said he made the switch because Mather’s speed and athleticism compliment Embree’s similar style of play. After eight matches with the new lineup, Thornqvist feels positions Nos. 2 and 3 benefit from the switch.
“Lauren is probably the fastest person I’ve played with,” Mather said.
If the speedy duo and the rest of the Gators make it past the Rebels, they could face another familiar foe. Seven other opponents Florida faced this dual-match season are in the round of 16.
The No. 6 men’s team (21-4) will face a familiar opponent on Friday at 6 p.m.: championship host and SEC East rival No. 12 Georgia (19-7).
Florida defeated Georgia in two previous meetings this season, most recently a 5-2 win in Gainesville on April 11.
The Gators’ other victory against the Bulldogs came on a neutral court, meaning UF has not traveled to Athens, Ga. this season.
Despite the revenge factor and home court favoring Georgia, UF coach Andy Jackson sees Florida as one of the teams with a legitimate chance to win it all.
“I don’t know how many teams have a chance but we’re one of the teams that have a chance,” Jackson said. “Regardless, we’re going to be ready to go Friday night.”
If the Gators advance to the Final Four, they might a get third shot at No. 2 Tennessee (27-1). Tennessee defeated Florida 4-3 on April 9 in Gainesville to win the SEC regular-season title and again in Lexington, Ky. on April 25 to win the SEC Tournament Championship.
