Alexandra Cercone nearly won her first tournament of the season at the 2013 USTA/ITA Southeast Regional Championships on Monday.
The senior fell short against her singles finals opponent, Silvia Garcia, losing 7-6 (2), 6-1.
Cercone battled in the first set but dropped the tiebreak. With her win, Garcia, who plays for Georgia, claimed the regional title and earned an automatic entry into the USTA/ITA National Indoor Intercollegiate Championships.
Cercone must now wait for an invitation to the national event held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, N.Y.
Despite her loss, coach Roland Thornqvist said he thought Cercone played well.
“Alex improved every day at this tournament,” he said. “She was very tough.”
Cercone was not the only player to make an impression at the tournament. Seven Gators combined for a 17-0 singles and doubles record on Friday.
Cercone collected her 98th career singles win in the semifinals, while Olivia Janowicz and Stefani Stojic reached the doubles quarterfinals. Kourtney Keegan and Belinda Woolcock also reached the doubles semifinals.
“I’m really looking forward to the spring season,” Thornqvist said.
Florida will now head to Orlando, where the Gators will compete in the USTA Clay Court Invitational beginning Thursday.
Follow Britnee McCoy on Twitter @TheReporterGirl.
Junior Alexandra Cercone swings during Florida’s 7-0 victory against Baylor on Feb. 2 at Linder Stadium.
