LUBBOCK, Texas – Florida women's tennis junior
McCartney Kessler's run at the W15 Lubbock came to a close Friday afternoon as she fell 7-6, 4-6, 3-6 to Lauren Proctor in the event's quarterfinal round at the McLeod Tennis Center on the campus of Texas Tech University, snapping what was a five-match winning streak to open the fall campaign.
Kessler opened the match strong and held on to claim the first set 7-6 (8) with a victory via tiebreak. In both the second and third sets, the two were deadlocked at 3-3, but the Georgia native couldn't break through. After dropping the second set and facing an early 0-2 hole in the third, Kessler rallied to jump back ahead 3-2. Playing for the sixth time in the last six days, the two-time All-SEC talent saw her streak end in the quarterfinals end as she couldn't quite get by the reigning Big South Player of the Year, Proctor.
Over the course of the tournament, Kessler rattled off five-consecutive victories, battled her way through the qualifying rounds and advanced all the way to the event's round of eight. During her streak, Kessler won seven-straight sets a point and went a perfect 3-0 in deciding tiebreaks.
No. 23 Kessler, who finished with 10 victories during the 2018 fall campaign, is already half way to that total after playing in just one tournament this year.
One of just four college players to finish in the top eight, Kessler held her own in a talent-rich pool of players comprised of professionals, prep and collegiate players.
The Gators return to action next weekend, Sept. 27-29, when they travel to Orlando for the USTA Fall Ranked Spotlight at USTA National Campus. Florida sends Kessler, No. 85
Marlee Zein, No. 91 Victoria and freshman
Layne Sleeth to the event and they will compete against players from Miami, N.C. State, Ohio State, Oklahoma State and Tennessee. The event will showcase some of the nation's most elite programs as all six squads finished in the top 25 of the final ITA rankings a year ago.
Quotes from the Court – Assistant Coach Lauren Embree
"McCartney made major strides this week with her tennis. She battled hard today and just came up a little short. Lauren (Proctor) hit some big serves and played aggressive tennis. I am really happy with McCartney's progress and I'm excited for the rest of the year!"
Kessler's Results Sept. 15-20
Qualifying Draw – Main Draw Quarterfinals
Kessler def. Poling, 4-6, 7-6 (3), [15-13]
Kessler def. Daniell, 6-4, 4-6, [12-10]
Kessler def. Bunch, 6-3, 6-1
Kessler def. Brown, 6-1, 7-6 (4)
Kessler def. Sewing, 6-2, 6-2
Proctor def. Kessler, 6-7 (8), 6-3, 6-4
W15 Lubbock Information
Sunday, Sept. 15 - Sunday Sept. 22
McLeod Tennis Center, Lubbock, Texas
Hosted by Texas Tech University
ITF World Tennis Tour
Tournament home page
FOLLOW THE GATORS
SOCIAL: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
JOIN THE CONVERSATION: #GoGators
