Gators can now clinch at least a share of SEC title with win on Sunday
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – No. 1 Florida (16-1, 10-0 SEC) defeated Vanderbilt (6-12, 0-9 SEC), 4-3, on Friday afternoon for its 13th-straight victory.
The Gators were able to slip past the Commodores despite dropping the doubles point. They had been on a nine-match run of winning the doubles point prior to Friday.
Following doubles play, UF needed to answer the call and win four of six singles matches to take the overall victory.
Captains Duarte Vale (No. 1) and Sam Riffice (No. 2), along with undefeated teammates Blaise Bicknell (No. 4) and Josh Goodger (No. 6), came up big for Florida.
Riffice, Bicknell and Goodger wasted no time in dominating their respective opponents in straight-sets wins while Vale prevailed in a three-set thriller at the top of the lineup.
Vale and Goodger were also the only doubles victors for the Gators with their win at No. 2.
In dual matches this season, Bicknell is now 15-0 and Goodger is 8-0 as the pair continue to play an integral part in the back half of UF’s singles lineup.
Vale improved to 13-3 while Riffice moved to 15-2 in dual matches this season.
With two matches left in the regular season against Kentucky and South Carolina, Florida can clinch at least a share of the Southeastern Conference regular season title with a victory in either of those contests.
The Gators are scheduled to host Kentucky on Sunday at noon ET at the Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex in what will be the final home regular season match of the year. More details on that match can be found below.
Singles Results: 2, 4, 5, 6, 1, 3
1. #3 Duarte Vale (UF) def. George Harwell (VANDY) 6-2, 4-6, 6-4
2. #17 Sam Riffice (UF) def. Marcus Ferreira (VANDY) 6-0, 6-0
3. Jeremie Casabon (VANDY) def. #8 Andy Andrade (UF) 6-2, 3-6, 6-4
4. #34 Blaise Bicknell (UF) def. Macsen Sisam (VANDY) 6-4, 6-0
5. Max Freeman (VANDY) def. Ben Shelton (UF) 6-2, 7-5
6. #94 Josh Goodger (UF) def. Joubert Klopper (VANDY) 6-3, 6-2
Doubles Results: 2, 1, 3
1. George Harwell/Max Freeman (VANDY) def. #16 Johannes Ingildsen/Will Grant (UF) 6-4
2. Duarte Vale/Josh Goodger (UF) def. Marcus Ferreira/Adam Sraberg (VANDY) 6-2
3. Jeremie Casabon/Connor Robb-Wilcox (VANDY) def. Andy Andrade/Ben Shelton (UF) 6-4
Sunday vs. Kentucky
Live Stats: https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__sidearmstats.com_florida_mten_&d=DwIF-g&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=HNOJkCaLcAVBLrpBDX5IQTSNmfrTrSPrpZtmdD2vloY&s=n2xA5zphmDl2o2OEsuI5aRbghvc5c9HbweZvUi0pjIk&e=
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Fan Attendance Advisory
The University of Florida men’s and women’s tennis programs announced updated fan attendance policies for the remainder of the 2021 season at the Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex on Tuesday.
Under guidance from UF Health, the University of Florida shifted physical distancing guidelines from 6 feet to 3 feet for outdoor sporting events last week.
With the shifting in physical distancing guidelines from UF Health, approximately 480 fans will be allowed in attendance at the Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex.
Spectators are still required to wear masks or face coverings, except when actively eating or drinking.
2021 Tennis at the Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex
Florida tennis will follow COVID-19 safety protocols established by UF Health, campus leadership, the SEC Medical Guidance Task Force and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Consistent with those guidelines, Florida tennis will maximize fan seating while maintaining proper physical distance.
* Admission is free at the Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex and general admission tickets will be available on a first come-first serve basis.
* Additionally, a small allotment of tickets will be available for player guests.
* There will be designated seating blocks for groups of two and four indicated by orange seats in the stands to ensure proper physical distancing. Each block has three feet of distance on all sides.
* The first rows of each section will be blocked off to create a clear and safer walkway for guests.
* In accordance with campus guidelines, face coverings (over the nose and mouth) will be required of all guests throughout the entire match. Failure to comply with this important health guideline could result in loss of attendance privileges.
* The complex will feature new signage to help reinforce safety measures and will also feature an increased number of hand sanitizer stations.
* Fans are encouraged to utilize clear bags to reduce touch points for entry gate staff.
* In the event of inclement weather, patrons will not be allowed into the indoor facility.
* Access to the tennis building or the court is not permitted for any patrons.
* No outside food or drink is allowed in the complex and the concession stand will remain open.
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