Florida Gators

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Top-ranked Florida launches its 45th season of varsity action on Saturday when the team plays host to the ITA Kick-Off Weekend at Linder Stadium at Ring Tennis Complex.
 
The Gator men begin a full weekend of play, when they face UNC Wilmington at 11 a.m., before the women get rolling at 2 p.m. against DePaul. FIU meets South Florida in the other women's match that will be played on the back courts beginning at 2 p.m., as well.
 
Consolation and championship matches will take place on Sunday at noon and 2 p.m., respectively.
 
Admission to all matches is free.
 
The winner of the Gainesville ITA Kick-Off Weekend advanced to the ITA National Team Indoor Championships held in New Haven, Conn., Feb. 10-13.
 
 
UF Head Coach Roland Thornqvist
On practice and developing the dual match lineup:
"We try to foster a competitive atmosphere, I think that's really important. I sense that when we play sets this weekend that our players will feel a little bit of that pressure, whereas normally when we play, it's more about acquiring new skills and trying new things. Since we have so many players, we've kept score and some of that is going to determine where they play in the lineup. It's been a new experience for our players, but I think it's really going to serve us well down the road."
 
Expectations of the team:
"We try really hard not to project weeks or months ahead. It's very dangerous. We try to do a good job of staying in the here and now."
 
Florida vs. ITA Kick-Off Weekend Field

• Florida vs. DePaul: first meeting
• Florida vs. FIU: 8-0
• Florida vs. South Florida: 53-1

 
The Gators at Home

• Overall Home Win Streak: 159 - it is the longest active home winning streak of any NCAA Division I Team in any sport (includes 26 wins in SEC and NCAA Tournament matches)
• Regular-Season Home Win Streak: 156

 
Other Notable Numbers

• Florida enters the weekend with a 998-145 all-time program record
• 25 consecutive wins against in-state rivals (203-33 all-time)
• 205-1 all-time home record against SEC teams (includes SEC and NCAA Tournament matches)
• 387-20 all-time record in SEC regular-season matches

 
 
FOLLOW THE GATORS
SOCIAL: Twitter | Facebook | YouTube |
JOIN THE CONVERSATION: #GoGators
 
-0-