KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The 16th-seeded Tennessee women’s tennis team snapped Murray State’s ten-match winning streak, with a 4-0 sweep in the First Round of the 2024 Women’s NCAA Team Championship on Saturday afternoon at Barksdale Stadium. The victory marked the 23rd occurrence in program history that the Lady Vols have swept an opponent in the NCAA Tournament, the fifth in the Alison Ojeda era.
“Definitely a little bit of nerves at the beginning that we saw in doubles,” Ojeda said. “Thankfully they played their way through it and as the match carried on, we got better and better. Murray State played well, and we knew that they would. I’m glad that they pushed us on a few courts and glad that we took care of business.”
Tennessee (19-7, 9-4 SEC) showcased versatility and confidence as they captured the doubles point over Murray State (17-6). Lauren Anzalotta and Catherine Aulia powered past Marit Kreuguel and Paola Campigotto in a 6-1 decision. The No.11-ranked pair of Sofia Cabezas and Elza Tomase tallied a 6-2 affair against Natalie Slaekova and Emma Honroe.
In singles, the Lady Vols pieced together three victories to secure the sweep. Alana Wolfberg added the first win in 6-1, 6-0 fashion versus Emma Honore. Leyla Britez Risso extended the lead with a 6-1, 6-2 victory against Natalie Slezakova. Esther Adeshina completed the shutout with a 6-2, 6-1 triumph against Marit Kreguel.
“Getting some good rest, after the SEC Tournament was really helpful,” Adeshina said. “I think our bodies and our minds needed some time off. It was good to watch some film on how we were playing and what we needed to do and focus on, going into the NCAA Tournament. As soon as we’ve been back on the court I’ve been working on the specifics I need to work on.”
NEXT UP:
Tennessee will face No. 21 Duke at 1 p.m. ET at Barksdale Stadium in the Second Round of the 2024 Women’s NCAA Championship. Tickets are on sale HERE.
Match Notables:
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The win marked the 784th victory for the Tennessee women’s tennis program.
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Head coach Alison Ojeda now owns 130 victories during her tenure.
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Saturday’s victory marked the fifth straight time Tennessee has earned a win against the Racers, their second while playing in the postseason.
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The squad secured the doubles advantage for the 22nd time this season.
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For the sixth time in the Ojeda era, the Big Orange has surpassed its first-round opponent in the NCAA Championships, the fifth…
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