Caroline Hitimana dominates in the Southeastern Conference.
The senior from Waterloo, Belgium, dominated her singles match against LSU’s Ebie Wilson finishing 6-1, 6-2 at Baton Rouge to clinch the 4-0 victory for Florida.
Hitimana’s win puts her at a 20-1 singles record in SEC matches, making her one of the toughest opponents to be matched up against.
Florida’s win at LSU puts the Gators (14-2, 7-1 SEC) at a 39-1 all-time record against the Tigers (8-11, 1-8 SEC).
Despite Hitimana and Brianna Morgan’s 4-4 tie up in doubles, the Gators finished with their first doubles win since the Tennessee matchup on March 17.
Going back to some original doubles pairings seemed to do the trick against the Tigers and gave the Gators an early lead.
Danielle Collins and Olivia Janowicz shut out LSU’s Kaitlin Burns and Ella Taylor with an 8-0 win.
Lauren Embree and Sofie Oyen followed suit, defeating Mary Jeremiah and Ariel Morton 8-5 for the doubles point.
Once singles began, LSU looked overmatched against Florida’s 29-4 conference singles record this season.
The Gators grabbed first set wins on all six courts and breezed through second sets to put the Tigers away.
Collins’ comeback to the court proved successful, and she rallied a 6-1 blow out in straight sets to give Florida a 2-0 lead.
Oyen found her rhythm in two close sets, finishing with a 6-3, 6-4 win.
“I was really pleased with today’s win,” said coach Roland Thornqvist.
“I thought we were fantastic on the singles court. We were focused and played smart, efficient tennis.”
UF senior Lauren Embree returns a volley from Baylor sophomore Ema Burgic during the No. 1 Gators’ 7-0 win against the 15th-ranked Bears on Feb. 2. Embree has won four Southeastern Conference titles at Florida.
