March 14, 2021
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The No. 20 University of Arkansas women’s tennis team dropped a 4-0 decision at No. 29 Florida on Sunday. With the loss, the Razorbacks drop to 10-3 on the season and 4-3 in Southeastern Conference play.
In doubles play, Arkansas had the lead on both courts one and three before Florida rallied back to win on both and clinch the doubles point for the Gators. On court one, No. 28 duo Lauren Alter and Tatum Rice took a 4-3 match lead, sweeping the fourth game point from No. 26 McCartney Kessler and Marlee Zein. Kessler and Zein used three-straight game points to take the set 6-3.
No. 21 Florida looks to end losing streak against No. 22 UCF
After falling to 1-2, the Gators look to bounce back Marlee Zein
After a 4-1 loss to Florida State, the Gators are now returning to Gainesville for another shot at redemption.
Familiar foes from down I-75 are taking their buses to the Swamp to try and sweep UF in the 2021 campaign: No. 22 UCF. Coming off a four-game win streak, UCF already dueled Florida during the past two weeks. The Knights left the last meeting with a 4-3 victory.
The Gators have proven their singles play can earn them a victory. During their match against Georgia State, competitors, such as junior Sydney Berlin and freshmen Amber McGinnis, earned their own wins for a 7-0 sweep.
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Junior Marlee Zein hits a forehand return against Boson College in the 2019 NCAA Tournament. Zein ranks 85th among singles players Photo by Chris King | The Independent Florida Alligator
A week before women’s tennis takes the court, the Gators rank No. 21, according to the Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s 2021 rankings.
Florida’s roster is headlined by two singles competitors, McCartney Kessler and Layne Sleeth, and a pair that sees Kessler again along with junior Marlee Zein.
Florida is one of five SEC teams to be ranked. Other terms include Georgia, LSU, Vanderbilt and South Carolina.