GAINESVILLE, Fla. – After five days of tournament play, the ITA Regional Championship has officially come to a close. The final match left for the Gators was the singles championship where Emily De Oliveira and Rachel Gailis faced one another for the regional title.
The match started off as a back and forth battle in the first set with long rallies and several games going to deuce, however De Oliveira pulled away after a break in Gailis’ serve to win the initial set 6-3. Rachel Gailis fought back and increased the pressure going into the second set. Putting more pace on the ball and challenging De Oliveira on the baseline, Gailis found herself securing the second set 6-4 to force a third.
The third and final set was the closest of the three with both Gators determined for the win. Gailis gained the lead to start, but De Oliveira quickly regained momentum and came back to tie the third set at five all. Florida’s intensity increased with each point and both players fought hard in the last two games, however it was Emily De Oliveira who came out victorious at 7-5, to take the match 6-3, 4-6, 7-5.
Florida showed great energy, determination, and discipline over the course of ITA Regionals and they are eager to keep training as the spring season creeps closer. Overall it was a successful tournament for the Gators with great performances all around.
Singles competition:
f Emily de Oliveira (Florida) def. Rachel Gailis (Florida) 6-3, 4-6, 7-5
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