Dudeney and Gailis opened up play claiming the first five games of the match at 5-0. Michigan took game six to put the score at 5-1 before the Gators broke Michigan’s serve to take the first set 6-1.
Florida’s momentum carried over as they secured the initial three games of set two. Now holding a one set, 3-0 advantage, Florida continued to apply pressure on the Wolverines. However, Jones and Bernales weren’t ready to back down quite yet, claiming a service game at 3-1, and then continuing to battle at 4-2, 5-2, and 5-3.
Florida ultimately remained consistent in the final set defeating Michigan 6-3. Overall, Florida held Jones and Bernales to only four games in the round of 32, solidifying a spot in the Sweet 16.
Since being paired together in the fall of 2024, Gailis and Dudeney have gone undefeated and boast a 6-0 record. One of the most competitive matches yet for the Gators will come on Thursday as they face the No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament, Elise Wagle and Kimmi Hance (UCLA).
About the Opponents:
UCLA’s Wagle and Hance were awarded the No. 1 seed in the 2024 NCAA Tournament after they defeated six nationally ranked doubles pairs at ITA All-Americans. The duo most recently took down Cal’s Mao Mushika and Jessica Alsola 6-3, 6-3 in the NCAA round of 32.
Thursday’s meeting will mark the first face-off between the UCLA and Florida pairings.
NEXT UP:
Round of 32 Final Results:
Rachel Gailis/Alicia Dudeney (Florida) def. Lily Jones/Jessica Bernales (MICH) 6-1, 6-3
FOLLOW THE GATORS:
SOCIAL: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
JOIN THE CONVERSATION: #GoGators
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Florida Gators…