LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. – For the eighth-straight season the University of Florida women's tennis program departed the Dick Vitale Intercollegiate Clay Court Classic with some hardware, as
Marlee Zein and
Tsveta Dimitrova claimed the doubles title with a victory Sunday morning.
Taking on twins Chloe and Ellie Kuckelman of Nebraska, Zein and Dimitrova cruised to an 8-2 victory. The senior Dimitrova and the sophomore Zein, pairing up for the first time this fall, proved to be a winning combo as they posted an unblemished 4-0 mark on the weekend.
Following her action on the doubles court, Zein returned to compete in the singles finale against Oklahoma's Marcelina Podlinksa. Zein and Podlinksa fought back and forth in the first set but it was the Sooner sophomore who held the upper hand at 7-5. The Poland native carried her momentum into the second set, winning 6-1 to claim the match. Zein wrapped up the event with three victories.
The Gators, taking part in the event which benefits the V Foundation for Pediatric Cancer Research, competed in the tournament for the eighth-straight season. Over the eight years, Florida has claimed now claimed at least one title in each season for a total of nine championships (four singles and five doubles).
The event, in its 10
th season, is known as one of the most unique tournaments in college tennis. Players from nationally-ranked programs from around the country battle for the title of the only clay court event on the ITA/NCAA (Intercollegiate Tennis Association) calendar.
Tsveta Dimitrova (left) and Marlee Zein (right) posted four victories and notched the doubles championship.
UF women's tennis continues its fall slate this Wednesday, Nov. 6 when junior standout
McCartney Kessler travels to the ITA Fall National Championships in Newport Beach, Calif. The Fall National Championships are the final ITA event on the docket for the UF women's tennis team. Several players are expected to continue playing professional tournaments, however.
The Gators kick off their 2020 spring season, Jan. 10-12, when they travel to The Bahamas for the Pink Flamingo Cup at Baha Mar Resort.
Quotes from the Court – Head Coach Roland Thornqvist
On the Gators' performance...
"This is always such a great event for us to play in. I was really pleased with our improved play and competitive spirit."
Results Sunday, Nov. 3
Doubles Final
Tsveta Dimitrova and
Marlee Zein def. Chloe Kuckelman and Ellie Kuckelman (Nebraska), 8-2
Singles Final
Marcelina Podlinksa (Oklahoma) def. No. 85 Marlee Zein, 7-5, 6-1
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