The Gators wrapped up another successful day in Gainesville on Saturday as three players advanced to the singles quarterfinals of the USTA/ITA Southeast Regional Championship.
UF went a perfect 9-0 in singles action as Andrew Butz, Sekou Bangoura Jr. and Bob van Overbeek each posted a pair of wins on the day.
Butz continued his impressive play, taking down his second nationally-ranked opponent in two days.
After defeating South Florida’s Federico Sabogal in straight sets, the freshman picked up a second straight-sets win against No. 76 Drake Bernstein of Georgia.
Butz’ early success is not something seen often by a freshman, UF coach Andy Jackson said.
“It’s not typical for a freshman to do what he’s done so far this fall,” he said. “He’s really developing quickly and gaining confidence quickly.”
With Butz, Bangoura and van Overbeek advancing, UF is the only team with three players in the quarterfinals.
“We had hoped to be able to do something like this, but at the same time it’s something I’m very excited about,” Jackson said.
Billy Federhofer, Nassim Slilam and Michael Alford all won their singles consolation matches to finish the sweep.
In doubles action, the team of Alexandre Lacroix and Slilam were unable to advance, losing 8-6 to Georgia’s Sadio Doumbia and Ignacio Taboada.
Although Lacroix and Slilam have posted many wins against ranked opponents this year, Jackson said they can still improve.
“We’ll probably work on first volley and getting more of our plays down with our two guys,” Jackson said. “I’m pleased with the start they’re off to.”
