Alexandre Lacroix isn't done recording victories for the University
of Florida just yet.
Lacroix, who became UF's all-time winningest player in the NCAA
Regional, advanced to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Doubles
Tournament with partner Sekou Bangoura Jr. on Friday.
The
Gators best doubles pair defeated Louisiana State's duo of
Sebastian Carlsson and Neal Skupski 6-2, 5-7, 7-5 in their second
face-off of the year.
"We
got off to a quick start, served well from beginning and were able
to take the first set quickly,” Bangoura said. “Both teams were
serving pretty well, and we just had one of those games where we
connected with all the returns and kept the momentum to close it
out.”
With the win, Lacroix and Bangoura were awarded All-American status
as doubles partners. It is Lacroix's second consecutive season
being named a doubles All-American and his fourth recognition
overall. It is Bangoura's first career recognition.
"It’s a really good feeling,” Lacroix said. “I’m really proud of
it.”
The
victory over Carlsson and Skupski had many similarities to the
Gators' hard-fought 8-6 win over the LSU pair back in March. That
match was Lacroix and Bangoura's first time playing together, and
the pairing has come a long way since then.
Lacroix and Bangoura play again Saturday in the quarterfinals
against Louisville’s Austen Childs and Viktor Maksimcuk.
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WOMEN'S
Lauren Embree is the last Gator standing in the NCAA Singles
Tournament.
Embree, ranked No. 17, dominated No. 63 Leslie Hureau of Indiana in
straight sets Friday to advance to the tournament's
quarterfinals.
The
win was Embree's 27th this year, continuing her undefeated singles
season and claiming the fourth-longest streak in school
history.
Embree will play California's Mari Andersson Saturday in the
quarterfinal round. The No. 23 Andersson defeated the No. 2 overall
seed in the tournament in the Round of 16.
Florida's Allie Will was in singles action as well Friday, but the
sophomore was upset by Stanford's Nicole Gibbs in the Round of 16,
falling in a tightly contested three-set match.
The
loss ends Will's singles season with a 35-5 record, playing mostly
on Court 1 for Florida. She will continue to play on in the doubles
tournament, however, as she and partner Alex Cercone advanced to
the quarterfinals.
Will and Cercone beat Arkansas' Claudine Paulson and Anouk Tigu in
straight sets. The Gators duo will play in the quarterfinals
Saturday.
