Head coach Roland Thornqvist is already beginning to reap the fruit of his team’s labor.
During Florida’s fall season the Gators struggled as a whole on the doubles court. But on the second day of the 12th annual Freeman Memorial Tennis Championships, duo Kourtney Keegan and Sofie Oyen defeated the No. 1 doubles tandem of Robin Anderson and Jennifer Brady (UCLA), 7-5.
“We played fantastic doubles matches to start the day,” Thornqvist said. “Sofie and Kourtney were aggressive both serving and returning. A few points decided the match and we were able to execute at the end.”
With the victory, the Gators duo will advance to the semifinals where it will match up against Sothern California’s No. 7 ranked Zoe Scandalis and Giuliana Olmos on Sunday.
On the singles court, the Gators weren’t as successful. Florida’s singles went 1-2 on the day. Oyen was the only player to win her singles match after losing on Friday. Coach Thornqvist said he was well pleased with the senior’s performance.
“Sofie rebounded nicely from her loss on Friday and showed toughness in getting the win today,” Thornqvist said.
Keegan and Olivia Janowicz both fell against their respective opponents.
“Despite her close loss to Brady, Olivia has made huge improvements in both her game physically and mentally,” Thornqvist added.
Sunday will conclude the tournament, which begins with doubles semifinals followed by singles and doubles finals.
Also on Saturday, the men wrapped up the second day at the Illini Open in Fort Myers, Fla.
The Gators improved in their singles play, going 6-1 on the day. Maxx Lipman, Spencer Newman, Florent Diep, Diego Hidalgo, Elliott Orkin and Michael Alford were among those that will advance to Sunday for more singles play.
Gordon Watson was the only Gator to fall in singles. The sophomore lost in two sets to Illinois’ Jared Hiltzik (6-4, 6-4).
On the doubles court, Florida went 2-2 on the day with the duos of Alford and Stephane Piro and Orkin and Watson both advancing to Sunday.
“We competed very well today which was great to see,” head coach Bryan Shelton said. “I like the way our guys are getting tougher and committing to doing the work.”
Matches will continue on Sunday at 10 a.m. with doubles followed by singles.
Follow Britnee McCoy on Twitter @TheReporterGirl
