WACO, Texas – Despite a valiant effort from the Gators’ women’s tennis squad in Waco on Monday afternoon, No. 4 Texas A&M was able to hold-off No. 20 Florida, 4-1, in the final round of the ITA Kickoff Weekend.
It was no secret that Sunday’s competition would be a battle, evidenced from the high-level doubles play to start the day. In a back-and-forth battle, the Aggies’ (5-0, 0-0 SEC) duo of Mary Stoiana and Carson Branstine managed to outlast Florida’s (2-1, 0-0 SEC) Carly Briggs and Alicia Dudeney on the on court one, 6-4.
Emma Shelton and Sophie Williams also found themselves in a tight matchup on court three, managing to even the match at four towards the end of competition. Texas A&M’s Mia Kupres and Gianna Pielet was able to hold on to win the doubles point, however, 6-4. Florida’s ranked doubles team of No. 58 Rachel Gailis and Bente Spee ended their match with Salma Ewing and Jayci Goldsmith at a draw, 5-5.
Keeping with the theme from Sunday, Sara Dahlstrom came out on fire to start singles play, opening up with a 6-1 first set edge over No. 51 Goldsmith on court four. Her dominance continued into the second set, pulling away for a 6-3 win after Goldsmith kept it close early, tying the team scores at one each.
The Aggies responded on courts three and two, however. Ewing managed to pull away from No. 63 Anastasia Sysoeva, 6-4, 6-1 before Branstine overtook Dudeney on court two, 7-6(8), 6-4.
Trailing 3-1, Emily De Oliveira gave the Orange & Blue a much-needed boost on court six. The sophomore gave No. 105 Jeanette Mireles all she could handle in set one, breezing to a 6-0 victory before earning a gritty 7-6(7) second set win to bring the Gators back within a point.
All eyes went to courts one and five for the remaining points, with both matches locked-in three-set thrillers. It would be Texas A&M who would prevail as No. 9 Stoiana was able to fend-off a Briggs comeback attempt at the top singles spot: 6-2, 3-6, 6-2 for their victory.
Freshman Gailis was in a good position at five singles despite not finishing out, leading Mia Kupres 7-6(5), 3-6, 4-3 when play concluded.
Up Next
The Gators will return to Waco, Texas on Sunday, Feb. 5, for a 2 p.m. matchup with Baylor, who was receiving votes in the latest ITA poll.
Quotes from the Court
Head Coach Roland Thornqvist
“We lost a tough one and this match was loaded with opportunity, really from the get-go. When we go home and watch, I think we’re going to kick…
It was no secret that Sunday’s competition would be a battle, evidenced from the high-level doubles play to start the day. In a back-and-forth battle, the Aggies’ (5-0, 0-0 SEC) duo of Mary Stoiana and Carson Branstine managed to outlast Florida’s (2-1, 0-0 SEC) Carly Briggs and Alicia Dudeney on the on court one, 6-4.
Emma Shelton and Sophie Williams also found themselves in a tight matchup on court three, managing to even the match at four towards the end of competition. Texas A&M’s Mia Kupres and Gianna Pielet was able to hold on to win the doubles point, however, 6-4. Florida’s ranked doubles team of No. 58 Rachel Gailis and Bente Spee ended their match with Salma Ewing and Jayci Goldsmith at a draw, 5-5.
Keeping with the theme from Sunday, Sara Dahlstrom came out on fire to start singles play, opening up with a 6-1 first set edge over No. 51 Goldsmith on court four. Her dominance continued into the second set, pulling away for a 6-3 win after Goldsmith kept it close early, tying the team scores at one each.
The Aggies responded on courts three and two, however. Ewing managed to pull away from No. 63 Anastasia Sysoeva, 6-4, 6-1 before Branstine overtook Dudeney on court two, 7-6(8), 6-4.
Trailing 3-1, Emily De Oliveira gave the Orange & Blue a much-needed boost on court six. The sophomore gave No. 105 Jeanette Mireles all she could handle in set one, breezing to a 6-0 victory before earning a gritty 7-6(7) second set win to bring the Gators back within a point.
All eyes went to courts one and five for the remaining points, with both matches locked-in three-set thrillers. It would be Texas A&M who would prevail as No. 9 Stoiana was able to fend-off a Briggs comeback attempt at the top singles spot: 6-2, 3-6, 6-2 for their victory.
Freshman Gailis was in a good position at five singles despite not finishing out, leading Mia Kupres 7-6(5), 3-6, 4-3 when play concluded.
Up Next
The Gators will return to Waco, Texas on Sunday, Feb. 5, for a 2 p.m. matchup with Baylor, who was receiving votes in the latest ITA poll.
Quotes from the Court
Head Coach Roland Thornqvist
“We lost a tough one and this match was loaded with opportunity, really from the get-go. When we go home and watch, I think we’re going to kick…
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