Thursday began the USTA/ITA National Indoor Championships, a four-day tournament held at Flushing, N.Y., at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
On the opening day of the event, both Alex Cercone and Sofie Oyen fell in their respective matches.
“We had chances in both matches” coach Roland Thornqvist said, “and they slipped out of our hands.”
Oyen, a Belgium native, faced off against top-seeded Jamie Loeb of the North Carolina, to whom she lost 6-2, 6-4. Cercone fell in two set against Michigan’s twenty-fifth seeded Emina Bektas 7-6, 6-1.
Both players will compete Friday in the singles consolation draw.
Olivia Janowicz, Kourtney Keegan, Brianna Morgan, Stefani Stojic and Belinda Woolcock are preparing to begin the Dick Vitale Intercollegiate Clay Court Classic, a four-day event held in Lakewood Ranch on Friday.
“The field down south might be tougher than it’s ever been,” Thornqvist said. “With five players in the draw, we might see a few Gator vs. Gator matches. “It’s likely that teammates will have to play each other. We have to handle those with class and show great sportsmanship.”
After the conclusion of these two events, the Gators will have a short winter break and jump right back into action with the ITA kickoff against Louisville on Jan. 25.
Follow Britneé McCoy on Twitter @TheReporterGirl.
Junior Alexandra Cercone swings during Florida’s 7-0 victory against Baylor on Feb. 2 at Linder Stadium.
