In the 64-person bracket for the Lady Vols are Rebeka Mertena, Elza Tomase and Daria Kuczer. All three rank inside the top 50 nationally with Tomase leading the charge at No. 21, followed by Mertena at 27 and Kuczer at 48.
“The NCAA does a great job of hosting first-class event at the final site of competition,” head coach Alison Ojeda said. “So, it’s a fun feeling for three of our girls to walk around the USTA National Campus the last few days, knowing that they have performed well enough to earn them a spot amongst the best in college tennis.”
“I look forward to getting out in the heat tomorrow and coaching the girls as they compete against some tough opponents,” Ojeda finished saying.”
Tomase begins her tournament at 12:30 p.m. ET against Abbey Forbes of the national championship-winning North Carolina squad. She will be joined by Mertena as she takes on Maddy Sieg from USC at the same time. An hour later, Kuczer faces Natasha Subhash from Virginia.
Mertena is playing in her second NCAA Singles Championship after qualifying for the 2022 tournament a season ago. She dropped a heartbreaking three-setter in the first round. For both Tomase and Kuczer, this year’s tournament marks their first appearance in the event. Kuczer, along with Mertena, will round out their illustrious Tennessee careers at Lake Nona, while Tomase looks to cap a strong sophomore campaign and propel herself towards being one of the leaders on the squad going forward.
FIRST-ROUND SCHEDULE
Monday, May 22 – Singles Round of 64
12:30 p.m. ET – Elza Tomase vs. Abbey Forbes, North Carolina
12:30 p.m. ET – Rebeka Mertena vs. Maddy Sieg, Southern Cal
1:30 p.m. ET – Daria Kuczer vs. Natasha Subhash, Virginia
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