Preview: No. 1 Gator Women’s Tennis Prepares for Weekend Matchups

It has been a long time since the last home match for the Gator Women’s tennis team, March 19th to be exact. But now, they are back at home and prepared for two weekend matchups against familiar SEC opponents.  The Gators will face off with No. 45 Alabama on Friday at 7, then follow that up with a Sunday afternoon matchup with no. 11 Auburn.

Road Trip

The Gators had a demanding last two matches on the road, where they defeated No. 18 Arkansas 4-3 on Friday March 24th, and then No. 44 Missouri 4-0 on March 26th.  Head coach Roland Thornqvist says he is impressed by how resilient his team was on the road, especially against the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Whew!! that was a thriller!!#GoGators pic.twitter.com/zGDL9bOW7S

— Gator Women's Tennis (@GatorsWTN) March 25, 2017

The Gators are happy to be home after over a full week on the road.  Coach Thornqvist thinks this return to Gainesville definitely will be beneficial in recharging his team’s batteries.

Looking Ahead

The Gators’ next four matches will happen right here in Gainesville as they will welcome in four different conference opponents.  The  four game home stand will kick off tomorrow when No. 45 Alabama comes to town, followed by a Sunday noon match versus No. 11 Auburn.  Next weekend the Gators will have two more matchups here in Gainesville, as Ole Miss will be in town on Friday and Mississippi State on Sunday.

"Is that good?"

We think it is.

Gators are #1 in polls for the 13th straight week this season. #GoGators pic.twitter.com/J8n77aHSji

— Gator Women's Tennis (@GatorsWTN) March 28, 2017

This weekend’s series will be another big test for the top-ranked Florida Gators, as they welcome in their last two ranked opponents on the schedule.  The Gators are 6-1 in conference play, and are currently second in the SEC behind the Georgia Bulldogs who defeated the Gators soundly 4-1 on March 17th.  With the SEC tournament start date of April 19th quickly approaching, the Gators are looking to close their season out strong before they head into tournament play.