Florida
nearly overcame a 3-0 deficit but couldn’t complete what would have been a
stunning rally and its bid to win a third consecutive NCAA title came to end
with a 4-3 loss to Stanford in the semifinals of the NCAA Championships played
at the Khan Outdoor Tennis Complex at the Atkins Tennis Center on Monday
evening.
The
Gators had several chances to take control, but couldn’t capitalize and found
themselves on the disappointing end of another 4-3 thriller on the national
stage with the Cardinal.
The last two postseason meetings
between the two programs prior to Monday both were thrilling 4-3 decisions in
the final, with the Gators capturing the 2011 national championship and the
Cardinal the 2010 crown and both of those matches came down to a third set in
the last match on court.
UF had its overall win streak
halted at 19, as well as its 16-match run in the NCAA Championships. The
Gator’s previous last postseason loss was a 4-3 decision to Stanford in the
2010 final
“Our
players were battling their hearts out,” UF head coach Roland Thornqvist
said. “It looked so grim for us, down 3-0, but somehow we found a way and gave
ourselves a chance to win. That’s one thing about this team, they just never
give up. As good as Stanford it, they really took it to us for about two hours.
Somehow after four hours, we still had a chance to win it. Hats off to
Stanford, they played an amazing match, but I’m really proud of our team, our
effort and their never-say-die attitude. A ball here or there and this match
goes our way.”
The
Cardinal (21-4) jumped out to the commanding lead after winning the doubles
point and the taking the straight set decisions on singles courts one and two.
