Top-seeded
Florida was pushed to the limit but showed its toughness and defeated
third-seeded and seventh-ranked Georgia 4-1 to win the Southeastern Conference
Tournament on Sunday held at Palmer/Salloum Tennis Center.
The
SEC Tournament title, which is the Gator’s third straight, marks Florida’s 18th
league postseason crown in the 26-year history of the event.
With
the SEC Tournament Championship, Florida (21-1) earns the SEC’s automatic berth
into the NCAA Championships. The 64-team field will be announced
on Tue., May 1 at 5:30 p.m. ET on www.NCAA. com, with the names of the NCAA
Singles & Doubles participants unveiled on May by 6 p.m.
Five
of the six singles matches on Sunday went to a third set, as the Gators
captured the thrilling victory after taking the doubles point and earning
singles wins by Joanna Mather, who was named SEC Tournament MVP, Lauren Embree,
who earned a spot on the All-Tournament Team, and Caroline Hitimana, who
provided the clinching championship win.
“It
feels great, and in particular because of the match we just played,” UF head
coach Roland Thornqvist said. “That was the SEC’s finest right there, the two
best teams in the league without a doubt. It was high-level tennis from start
to finish. We had to execute again at the end at No. 1 doubles and we poached
at the right time. Then in singles there were five three-setters. I think
once again our fitness proved to perhaps make a little bit of a difference. I
think we got to them at 1 and 2, and certainly at 6 as well. I’m just very pleased.”
