Florida’s youth take all the accolades

Posted Mar 4, 2010 by Aaron Oberlin

Updated Mar 4, 2010 at 02:49 PM

Florida tennis swept the Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week honors, winning in both the men’s and women’s divisions.

The SEC recognized Bob Van Overbeek and Lauren Embree on Wednesday for their spectacular play. Florida has claimed the title seven times this season.

For the men’s squad, it is the third straight time winning the award. Van Overbeek claimed the last two, and Sekou Bangoura, Jr., earned it the week prior.

Van Overbeek defeated a ranked foe for the first time in his career on Feb. 28, when he dueled then-No. 57 Abe Souza of Illinois. His 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (6) victory was a major part of the No. 6 Gators’ 5-2 win over the then-No. 13 Fighting Illini.

“It was the first [win over a ranked opponent], but I’m sure it won’t be the last,” coach Andy Jackson said. “Souza hadn’t lost at all this year, and they played a long match. I think that’s going to gain him some confidence. He’s been getting better.”

When the SEC announced Embree as the women’s Freshman of the Week, she became the third for UF this season.

Allie Will won Feb. 3 and 16, and Caroline Hitimana won Feb. 10.

Embree went 4-0 last week and picked up two victories against ranked opponents, as the No. 9 Gators defeated two top-15 ranked teams, No. 15 Florida State and No. 6 Duke.

“Lauren competed very, very well last week,” coach Roland Thornqvsit said. “When it mattered most, she was on top of her game.”