The sixth-ranked and seventh-seeded Stanford women’s tennis team fell one step short in its bid to repeat for the first time since 2004-06, dropping a 4-1 decision to No. 1 Florida in the title match on Tuesday night at the NCAA championships in Athens, GA.
The latest chapter of the sport’s best rivalry was won by Florida, which beat Stanford for the second time this season but only for the fifth time in the last 12 meetings overall.
Stanford and Florida have combined to win six of the last eight NCAA crowns.
This time around, Stanford (26-3) was unable to capitalize on another postseason in which it outperformed its seeding.
The No. 7 seed Cardinal knocked off No. 2 North Carolina and No. 3 Ohio State along the way, and has now won 16 of its last 19 NCAA matches when seeded lower than its opponent dating back to 2010.
Florida (29-3), which defeated Stanford 4-1 in Gainesville on Feb. 19, set the tone early in doubles to take a 1-0 lead.
The Gators padded their lead at 2-0, following Kourtney Keegan’s 6-0, 6-0 victory over freshman Emma Higuchi on court six.
It was a rare loss for Higuchi, who had a 22-match winning streak snapped. Higuchi wrapped up her rookie campaign at 33-4 overall and 22-1 in duals.
Florida then moved in front 3-0 after Belinda Woolcock defeated senior Caroline Doyle 6-1, 6-3 at the No. 1 spot.
Stanford needed to sweep all four remaining courts but had already booked three first sets. In the fourth match, freshman Emily Arbuthnott was gaining momentum and headed for a third set.
Sophomore Melissa Lord accounted for Stanford’s only point, cruising past Josie Kuhlman 6-4, 7-5 on court two. Lord remained perfect in 10 career postseason matches.
Trailing 3-1, Stanford was gaining momentum on the back courts. Arbuthnott was leading 4-2 and sophomore Caroline Lampl had battled back to 4-4.
However, Ingrid Neel had already built enough of a lead to withstand a valiant comeback effort from senior Taylor Davidson at the No. 3 position, prevailing 5-7, 6-3, 6-2.
In addition to its 18 NCAA titles, the Cardinal has been in seven other championship matches.
By Stanford Athletics
By Stanford Athletics
By Stanford Athletics
Wow! Fantastic tennis is being missed every year by this amazing team and their coaches. The Taube Center where Stanford Tennis is played is a fabulous venue for some of colleges best matches; and it’s free.
Come join them next year.