Undefeated in four matches of Southeastern Conference play, UF’s second-ranked women’s tennis team could say that its hot start is due to a team-wide effort.
To find out the real key, however, look no further than the top two singles spots.
Allie Will and Lauren Embree have been Florida’s best players this season. The juniors are ranked No. 1 and No. 23 in the country, respectively. What adds another dimension to the team, though, is the ability of these two players to be interchangeable at the top two spots in the lineup.
“They’re just invaluable for us, and the fact that they buy into it and support each other and the team is all you need to know about their character,” coach Roland Thornqvist said.
In Monday’s 7-0 win over Kentucky (8-7, 0-4 SEC), Embree played at the top singles spot, beating UK’s Jackie Stiles 6-2, 6-0. Will played on court two, dispatching Khristina Blajevitch 6-0, 6-1. It was the fifth time this season Embree has taken the top spot and Will’s sixth time playing the two.
For Embree and Will, their spot on the court has had no bearing on their quality of play. Will is 5-1 at the top spot and 5-0 at two, while Embree is 5-0 and 4-2 at those respective spots. While each player’s style differs, Thornqvist said that much of the reason they are interchangeable is because they are intrinsically alike.
“They have a different style, but both are fundamentally very similar in that they’re very athletic, tough and play big points really well,” he said. “The rest of the team, even though we don’t say it, feeds off those two.”
Embree and Will each said switching their spot works well for the team. The Gators (10-1, 4-0 SEC) essentially have two top players who can be shuffled around depending on matchups, something few other teams possess.
“It’s really nice for both of us because we’re both playing really well, and it’s nice to have that balance,” Embree said.
Will said that the switching doesn’t affect their play at all. Because of the nature of the Gators’ schedule, the two will be facing challenging opponents regardless of their placement on the court.
“We’re both playing really well, and we can just switch up and down,” Will said. “Every team we play is very good at one and two, so it doesn’t make a big difference. We’re both just happy to be playing.”
