UF Women’s Tennis: Sleeth Collects SEC Newcomer of the Week Honors
Photo By: Chris Kim
Courtesy of University Athletic Association
BY SAM STOLTE
Women’s tennis sophomore Layne Sleeth went undefeated and helped guide the Gators to a pair of wins
After going undefeated in both singles and doubles and playing a pivotal role in Florida’s 2-0 road swing, University of Florida women’s tennis sophomore Layne Sleeth has been tabbed the SEC’s Newcomer of the Week, as the league announced its weekly honors Wednesday.
Sleeth and teammate Ida Jarlskog posted a pair of 6-3 victories, helping Florida secure the crucial doubles point in its wins at No. 21 Ole Miss and No. 36 Mississippi State last week. After her first singles match went unfinished at 6-1, 5-4 with her on the doorstep against the Rebels, Sleeth provided the match-clinching victory last Saturday against the nationally-ranked Bulldogs. The Canadian recorded a 6-2, 6-4 win over MSU’s Alexandra Mikhailuk, propelling the Gators to a crucial conference win.
Competing in the No. 2 doubles position, Sleeth and Jarlskog have combined to form a potent doubles combination, registering a 3-0 record when competing together. In singles, Sleeth is off to a 5-1 start and is 3-0 since moving up to the No. 4 slot in the lineup.
Sleeth’s designation marks the third SEC weekly honor received by a Gator this season as Kessler was tabbed Athlete of the Week on March 3 and Sara Dahlstrom earned Freshman of the Week honors on March 17.
Winners of four straight matchups, all against ranked opponents, Florida returns home Thursday to host No. 21 Kentucky before welcoming No. 19 Vanderbilt on Saturday for Senior Day at the Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex. Seniors McCartney Kessler and Jarlskog will be honored in a pre-match ceremony at 10:45 a.m. on Saturday. Thursday and Saturday mark UF’s final two home matches, and the team is set to conclude its regular season Sunday, April 11 at South Carolina.