The Gators went undefeated in the first round of qualifying at the ITA All-American in Pacific Palisades, Calif., on Tuesday.
Freshmen Sofie Oyen and Alexandra Cercone each impressed with wins against top-100 opponents.
Oyen, who earned a spot in the qualifying draw after another player withdrew, took on No. 60 Jenifer Widjaja of Pacific and defeated the redshirt senior in straight sets (6-3, 6-3).
Cercone also faced a tough opponent in No. 75 Sarah Landsman of Arizona. Although Cercone dropped her first set, she battled back and won in three sets (1-6, 7-5, 6-2).
Coach Roland Thornqvist is pleased with the way his team has performed so far, particularly its young players.
“This is Sofie’s first tournament with us,” he said. “I think both her and Alex have played decent. They continue to get better each round.”
Thornqvist said even with their success, both players still have plenty of room for improvement.
“We try to assess the matches more on how they play and how they perform rather than if they win or lose,” he said. “I think that’s very important for development.”
Sophomore Caroline Hitimana picked up a difficult three-set win, beating Alabama’s Alex Clay (1-6, 7-5, 7-3).
And Joanna Mather completed the sweep, easily taking down No. 42 Shannon Mathews of Notre Dame (6-0, 6-2).
Thornqvist said Mather has exhibited maturity and leadership both on and off the court, something her teammates feed off.
Her steady play so far hasn’t hurt, either.
“She’s playing the best tennis of her career,” he said. “Her game right now is as good as it’s ever been with the Florida Gators.”
All four competitors were scheduled to compete in the second round later Tuesday, but none had started their matches as of press time due to a rain delay.
First-time success for men’s duo: Playing together for the first time, the Gators’ team of Sekou Bangoura Jr. and Billy Federhofer picked up two wins in qualifying doubles at the ITA All-American.
The duo defeated Nebraska’s Christopher Aumueller and Calin Paar 8-6 to move on to the second round, where they took down Illinois State’s pair of Alexander Pelaez and Timon Reichelt (8-6) later Tuesday.
Unfortunately for the Gators, their singles competitors did not fare as well.
After recording UF’s first double-bagel victory in more than a year Monday, junior Nassim Slilam could not continue his string of success, losing to Nebraska’s Benedikt Lindheim in straight sets (6-4, 6-4).
Bangoura also lost 6-4, 6-4 to Artem Baradach of Southern Methodist.
The lone Gator left in singles action is Alexandre Lacroix, who will begin play in the main draw Thursday.
