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On Friday, the Gator women’s tennis team began a treacherous road trip, hoping to ride the momentum of their five-match winning streak. Unfortunately, the hot streak came to an abrupt end in Knoxville, where the Vols topped the Gators 4-1.
Battled to the end 🐊#GoGators | Presented by @WellsFargo pic.twitter.com/If4I6vSUd7
— Gators Women's Tennis (@GatorsWTN) April 7, 2023
Match Recap
Behind Quickly
The Gators fell behind early in Rocky Top, and they were unable to battle back.
Despite Florida traditionally being a formidable doubles team, the Vols took it to them in that regard.
After falling behind early on court one, UF’s Alicia Dudeney and Bente Spee tried to rally. However, they only battled back to 2-4 before both of the other Florida teams had been defeated. Emily De Oliveira and Sophie Williams fell 0-6 on court three and Carly Briggs and Rachel Gailis lost 1-6 on court two.
The doubles point was conceded at an alarming pace.
Doubles Update
Tennessee takes the doubles point1️⃣#53 Dudeney/Spee ⬇ 2-4
❌#79 Briggs/Gailis, 1-6
❌De Oliveira/Williams, 0-6UF 0, TENN 1#GoGators
— Gators Women's Tennis (@GatorsWTN) April 7, 2023
Never Back Down
The pace at which Florida dropped the doubles point was surprising. Only two spots separated UF and UT in the ITA rankings entering this match up, and Tennessee looked totally in control.
However, the Gators tried not to allow this early dominance to drain their spirit. They fought until the end in their singles matches, but Tennessee just proved to be the more prepared team. De Oliveira and Spee both fell in straight sets to their UT counterparts. 3-0 Vols.
The single bright spot in Friday’s match for the Gators was the performance of freshman fireballer Rachel Gailis. Despite her team having significant trouble around her, she conquered Catherine Aulia in straight sets on court four. This extended her singles win streak to four matches.
Rachel gets us on the board with a 6-3, 6-2 win on court 4 💪🐊
UF 1, TENN 3#GoGators pic.twitter.com/auJ2IuXMWE
— Gators Women's Tennis (@GatorsWTN) April 7, 2023
From the Frying Pan to the Fire
The Vols thoroughly bested the Gators, and Florida only has two days to regain its footing before they will be in Athens to face Georgia.
The Bulldogs are the number five ranked team in the nation, and they will be out for blood against their rivals in Orange and Blue.
