The University of Central Florida captured its first USTA Florida ‘Tennis on Campus’ circuit tournament of the season last weekend, defending its home turf to raise the UCF Knitro Cup title in Orlando.
The UCF-“A” team in the Gold Bracket final defeated the University of South Florida-“A” squad 25-20 in the World TeamTennis scoring format. UCF’s previous best result this season was reaching the rained-out final on Sept. 29 at the FSU Battle in the Capital in Tallahassee.
“We were met with great weather and even better tennis,” said USTA Florida Tennis on Campus Coordinator Desirae McLaughlin. “It refreshing to see clubs other than the University of Florida and University of Miami dominating the finals of the TOC events this season. It shows that the other clubs are growing and continuing to develop their programs.”
Gold Bracket final results:
Women’s Doubles: Anri Ferris/Caroline Nordman (USF) d. Natalia Illuzzi/Nila Illuzzi 6-4
Men’s Doubles: Michael Mendez/Jonathon Borsky (UCF) d. Steven Pike/Ross Quarrles 6-5
Women’s Singles: Ilana Gomez-Diaz (UCF) d. Anri Ferris 6-2
Men’s Singles: Jacob Bucher (UCF) d. Alek Crnogorac 6-1
Mixed Doubles: Caroline Nordman/Steven Pike (USF) d. Michael Mendez/Natalia Illuzzi 6-2
UCF-“A” gained the final after a semifinal win over the USF-“B” team, while USF-“A” turned back the UF-“A” team in their semifinal.
The Florida State University-“B” team won the Silver Bracket, defeating UCF-“C” 24-21 in the final, and UCF-“G” captured the Bronze Bracket title after edging UCF-“D” 24-21.
Other participating schools were the University of Florida, Florida Gulf Coast University and the University of Tampa.
The next event on the 2018-19 USTA Florida ‘Tennis on Campus’ schedule will be the UM Ibis Open in Coral Gables on Nov. 10.
USTA Florida ‘Tennis on Campus’ 2018-19 Tournament Schedule:
Sept. 29 — FSU Battle in the Capital, Tallahassee (FINAL: UM-“A” vs. UCF-“A” rained out)
Oct. 13 — USF Bull Run, Tampa (FINAL: USF-“A” d. UM-“B”)
Oct. 20 — UCF Knightro Cup, Orlando (FINAL: UCF-“A” d. USF-“A”)
Nov. 10 — UM Ibis Open, Coral Gables
Nov. 17 — FGCU Dirty Bird Classic, Ft. Myers
Jan. 12 — UNF Swoop the Nest, Jacksonville
Feb. 2 — UF Gatorbowl, Gainesville
Feb. 16 — Delray Beach Open ‘Tennis On Campus’ Challenge, Delray Beach
Feb. 23 — USTA Florida Tennis on Campus Sectional Championships
Additional Events:
Oct. 5 — Tennis on Campus Fall Invitational, Cary, N.C.
March 23 — Tennis on Campus Spring Invitational, Surprise, Ariz.
April 11-14 — Tennis on Campus National Championships, USTA National Campus, Orlando
About USTA Tennis On Campus
The USTA’s Tennis On Campus program is designed to provide college students with opportunities for team camaraderie, social networking, and rivaled competition through tennis without the rigors of a NCAA varsity program. Tennis on Campus offers fun co-ed team-based play (using the World TeamTennis scoring format), regional and national championship competition, and helps students maintain active and healthy lifestyles through their college years. Currently the program is offered on more than 500 college campuses. The USTA Tennis on Campus team format features men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles and mixed doubles, with a minimum of two men and two women per team.
For more information on the USTA Florida Tennis on Campus series or to start a team at your school go to www.ustaflorida.com/TOC, or contact Desirae McLaughlin at toc@ustaflorida.com.
