The day started off with a bang as Tennessee (15-4, 8-2 SEC) raced out of the gates in doubles. All three courts were utterly dominant as the Lady Volunteers took 16 of the 19 total games played. The first court to finish was Court 3 as Eleonora Molinaro and Daria Kuczer blew by Emily De Oliveira and Sophie Williams, 6-0. Shortly after, Catherine Aulia and Lauren Anzalotta secured the doubles point for the Big Orange with a 6-1 winner over No. 79 Carly Briggs and Rachel Gailis.
“It sure is great to be a Tennessee Vol,” head coach Alison Ojeda said after the match. “I am so proud of the way our team competed this afternoon. We came out with a clear purpose in doubles and executed with passion.”
“Then, in singles, we did what we’ve been doing all season long: competing at every single spot for every single point,” said Ojeda.
Compete is exactly what the Lady Vols did. On Courts 5 and 6, Esther Adeshina and Anzalotta set the tone for the afternoon, quickly taking a commanding lead. Just 30 minutes into singles play, the two held leads of 4-1 and 5-0, respectively, and they were the first two to turn in victories. Adeshina claimed the first point, defeating De Oliveira 6-3, 6-2. Just minutes later, Anzalotta topped Bente Spee, 6-1, 6-2.
It was a grind for the final, clinching point. Florida grabbed a point with a win on Court 4, but Courts 1, 2 and 3 battled away looking to deliver the match-winner. All three had a set advantage after winning the first frame, and it was Kuczer who finally put the match in the win column. She trailed 3-2 in the second set after winning the first 6-3, but she captured a boost of momentum from the clinches on the end courts and then secured five of the last seven games to take the second stanza, 7-5.
The victory marked Tennessee’s second consecutive home win over the Gators. The Lady Vols were propelled by a crowd of 242 at Goodfriend Tennis Center which energized the squad throughout the match.
“Our competitive fire was fueled today by an impressive crowd,” Ojeda finished. “A huge thank you to Vol Nation. Rocky Top just means more when we all sing it in victory together.”
Full results from Friday’s match can be found below.
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