Women's Tennis: Gators Fall in Home Opener to AC Flora 4-2

The Lady Gators opened the 2025 season in Alligator Alley with a 2-4 loss to A.C. Flora. The match featured two teams that both finished state runner-up in 2024, with the match having the excitement you would expect.

The Lady Gators got their first win of the night when the #2 doubles team of senior Emma Gibson and junior Blythe Hoey fought off some early match jitters for a 7-5, 6-0 win. The pair went 25-2 last year together and looks to continue their play this year.

The second win of the night came from freshman Gracie Driskill at #2 singles. Driskill was steady all night and earned a hard-fought win.

The most excitement of the night came at #3 singles. With the match tied at 2-2, senior Lauren Kim came back from dropping the first set to win the second and force a deciding 3rd set match tiebreaker. Both Kim and her opponent faced several match points before the Falcon ployer was able to win a 16-14 and keep the match from heading to #1 doubles to determine the match.

The Lady Gators fall to 0-1 on the season and play again at home in Alligator Alley on Thursday against Blythewood.

The JV team was a winner on the night at A.C. Flora and will travel to Blythewood on Thursday.

Match Results

Singles

#1 Emily Smith (ACF) d. Keira Campbell (RB) 6-2, 6-3

#2 Gracie Driskill (RB) d. Catherine Smith (ACF) 6-3, 6-4

#3 Carlyn Guffee (ACF) d. Lauren Kim (RB) 6-3, 6-7 (4), 1-0 (14)

#4 Ruby Cecchine (ACF) D. Paola Silva (RB) 6-1, 6-1

#5 Liza Stavron (ACF) d. Aine Kim (RB) 6-0, 6-3

Doubles:

#2 Emma Gibson & Blythe Hoey (RB) d. Ella Foley & Liv Homewood (ACF) 7-5, 6-0