The Florida Gators women's tennis team had a remarkable opening day at the Kitty Harrison Invitational, securing a clean sweep in doubles matches against Old Dominion. Senior duo Alicia Dudeney and Bente Spee led the team with a win over the No. 77 ranked pair. The Gators also claimed victories in singles, setting a strong tone for the fall season.

By the Numbers
  • Dudeney and Spee defeated Old Dominion’s No. 77 pair 6-4.
  • Florida won all three doubles matches with sets of 6-4, 6-2, and 6-1.
  • Dudeney achieved a singles victory against No. 115 Kira Matushkina with a score of 6-3, 6-3.
  • Neilson-Gatenby won her singles debut against Rasskouskaya 6-1, 7-6 (7-4).
Yes, But

Despite the Gators' strong performance, they suffered some setbacks in singles, with Qavia Lopez and Nikola Daubnerova both losing their matches. This indicates that while doubles were a highlight, there remain areas for improvement in singles competition.

State of Play
  • The Gators dominated all three doubles courts against Old Dominion.
  • Four Gators claimed victories in singles matches, showcasing a balanced team effort.
  • Florida remains focused as they prepare for their next match against Duke.
What's Next

The Gators will face Duke on September 14, aiming to build on their successful start to the Invitational. The match is set to begin at 9:30 AM, weather permitting.

Bottom Line

The Gators' strong doubles performance emphasizes their potential this season, but addressing singles weaknesses will be crucial as they move forward in the tournament. Solid teamwork and leadership will be essential for continued success against tougher competition.