On Saturday, No. 5 Florida swept No. 38 St. Mary’s 4-0 in the first ever meeting between the two programs. The Gators captured their third straight victory and improved to 8-1 on the season.
Florida took the doubles point for the third consecutive match as Kourtney Keegan and Brianna Morgan won 8-4 following a win from Sofie Oyen and Belinda Woolcock.
In the previous match against Florida State, coach Roland Thornqvist was adamant about continuing the team’s strong play at the net, an area the Gators controlled in Saturday’s doubles.
“We played really well. We were very aggressive in doubles. We’re starting to have a very good net presence and I’m very happy about that,” said Thornqvist.
The Gators continued rolling in singles play as each player won in straight sets to give Florida the quick victory. Stefani Stojic won her fifth straight singles match 6-1, 6-1 to give the Gators a 2-0 lead. Next, Alexandra Cercone earned a 6-2, 6-2 victory and Kourtney Keegan clinched the match with a 6-0, 6-2 victory to earn her 22nd win of the season.
“In singles, we got off to a good start on most courts but even on the courts where it was tightly contested,” Thornqvist said. “I thought we showed great composure and iron will to break through to win those first sets.”
The Gators will likely have to show an even stronger resolve when they play undefeated No. 3 Stanford on Sunday at 3 p.m.
“Overall, this was a great performance for us. If we can continue to be as feisty tomorrow, we’re hoping to make it a good match against the heavy favorite and defending NCAA champions,” Thornqvist said.
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