AUBURN, Ala. – The No. 24 Tennessee Women’s tennis team compiled a thrilling 4-3 victory against No. 16 Auburn on Friday afternoon at Yarbrough Tennis Center. The squad dropped the doubles point for just the third time all season, but rallied together in singles to overcome the deficit.
“Our coaching staff is so proud of our team’s continued fight,” head coach Alison Ojeda said. “What I love most about today’s win is we knew we had to battle at all six spots in singles and that’s exactly what we did. We faced some adversity and we persevered. Leyla [Britez Risso] did a fantastic job of responding to us asking her to play after the doubles point. Her whole team is proud of her and thankful to her dedication to practice and a tough mindset this week.”
Tennessee (12-6, 4-4 SEC) could not complete its quest for the doubles point, dropping matches on courts two and three against Auburn (12-8, 6-3 SEC). Lauren Anzalotta and Catherine Aulia were the first duo to fall against Carolyn Ansari and Selin Ovunc, 2-6. The No. 49-ranked duo of Esther Adeshina and Alana Wolfberg dropped a 2-6 affair versus Adeline Flach and Angella Okutoyi.
After falling behind by a point, the team notched four well-earned singles victories. In her first SEC matchup of the season, sophomore Leyla Britez Risso posted a 6-4, 6-2 triumph against Adeline Flanch. Anzalotta was the second Lady Vol to etch a win, doing so in 6-4, 6-4 fashion over Selin Ovunc. Elza Tomase posted a 7-5, 6-2 decision against No. 62 DJ Bennett and then Aulia sealed the match with a 6-4, 6-7 (5), 7-6 (5) victory over #74 Ariana Areseneault.
“I am happy with my match today,” said Tomase. “I feel like I am improving every single match and I am just really happy that I was able to manage my emotions today. I just kept fighting for every single ball even though there were times when I needed to push a little more. I managed to get it done and I was really happy about it.”
#17 Sofia Cabezas dropped her singles match, falling 1-6, 1-6 to #18 Carolyn Ansari. Esther Adeshina came up short to Angella Okutoyi in a 6-1, 6-7(4), 2-6 contest.
“It was a long match,” said Aulia. “The third set was kind of tough just because it was the last match on. I am glad the team was behind me the whole way and it feels good to get the win today.”
NEXT UP:
The Lady Vols will continue its road slate against No. 23 Alabama on Sunday at Alabama Tennis Stadium with first serve scheduled for 2 p.m….
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