Gators News: Weekend of Florida sports includes tennis, soccer and softball

The weekend is nearly upon us, and despite the absence of Gators football on Saturday, there are a few Florida sports teams to keep an eye on these next few days as both the men’s and women’s tennis team are in action, while the soccer team lost a close one last night and plays again on Sunday, and the softball team hosts a fall exhibition. Without further ado, here is a look at what’s on tap.

Men's tennis

The main draw at the ITA Men’s Southeast Regional Championships begins today in Gainesville, Florida, at 8:30 a.m. EDT. The Gators will have six representing the Orange and Blue with Andy Andrade, Nate Bonetto, Josh Goodger, Will Grant, Abedallah Shelbayh and Mattias Siimar set to compete this weekend. The tournament schedule can be found here while the live stream and stats can be followed here.

Women's tennis

The women’s tennis team also joins the action on Friday when it sends freshmen Alicia Dudeney and Bente Spee to participate in the Georgia Invitational in Athens this weekend. The pair will compete as a doubles duo beginning today at 10 a.m. EDT with round one of competition.

Soccer

Speaking of Georgia, the soccer team lost a close one last night to the Bulldogs on the road on Thursday night, 4-3, after a valiant comeback by the road team fell short. The Gators return to Gainesville for a two-game homestand to wrap up SEC play starting on Sunday against the LSU Tigers starting at 12 p.m. EDT.

Softball

The softball team plays a fall exhibition game tonight against the Florida Southwestern Buccaneers at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium starting at 6 p.m. EDT. Additionally, the team announced its 2022 regular-season schedule on Friday morning.

Around the Swamp

• Former Gator Tyrie Cleveland promoted to Broncos’ 53-man roster: Cleveland has appeared in two games already for Denver this year, totaling 37 snaps across offense and special teams.

• Grading former Gator Tre Mann’s NBA debut with Oklahoma City: Despite seeing rotational action off the bench and playing just 15 minutes, he scored nine points in his first game.

• Is Dan Mullen on the hottest seat in the SEC right now?: After Orgeron’s firing, Mullen assumes the mantle of the coach in the SEC on the hottest seat.

• Here’s where Florida players stand on this 3-round Touchdown Wire mock draft: With the team not playing very well right now, it’s not a huge surprise that Florida doesn’t have many players currently projected to be early picks.

• Gators’ underclassmen among most productive in college football: Four of them have a Pro Football Focus grade of 70 or higher.

• Pat Dooley gives his first-half grades for Florida football: Let’s look at why they are here at 4-3 and 2-3 in the SEC by grading the rooms through seven games.

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