The Gators women’s tennis team is amid one of its worst seasons in program history.
Standing at 7-8, Florida has lost more than eight matches in a season now just three times since 1984. The Gators have also tied the 2009 season for most conference losses. That year, the Gators suffered four losses— a program worst. Florida, with six matches still remaining, stands at 4-4 in SEC play.
The Gators hope to pick up some momentum as they continue their final road stretch of the season when they take on No. 23 LSU on Friday and No. 12 Texas A&M on Sunday.
Florida enters the weekend after dropping its past two matches against top 25 opponents in Kentucky and Vanderbilt.
Florida has endured a brutal stretch which has seen its last four opponents ranked in the top 25 on the road, while also playing eight consecutive matches against teams ranked in the top 50.
This difficult schedule is one reason the Gators have struggled, but their youth has been the main factor.
“I feel bad for our players after this one because they really gave it all they had,” coach Roland Thornqvist said in a release after last week’s loss to Vanderbilt. “But like I've talked about a lot this season, we continue to grow collectively and experiences like these are truly invaluable for a group as young as ours."
Though the youth improves with every match, the problem is especially apparent when the Gators find themselves in tight match situations.
Florida has faced seven 4-3 finishes this season and has come away with just one victory. The freshmen — Anastasia Kharitonova, Marlee Zein and Sydney Berlin — have struggled to close out matches. The three have a 13-15 record combined in singles play, which has hurt Florida.
Entering play Friday against LSU (14-6, 4-4 SEC), the Gators need their veterans to lead the way. No. 16 Ida Jarlskog enters with a team-high 10 wins, while No. 38 McCartney Kessler has finally found her rhythm claiming five straight singles victories.
The Gators and Tigers square off at 5 p.m at the LSU Tennis Complex.
Follow Victor Prieto on Twitter @victorprieto_11 and contact him at vprieto@alligator.org.
UF women's tennis coach Roland Thornqvist said his team is still growing collectively. "Experiences like these are truly invaluable for a group as young as ours," he said.
