KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee women’s tennis team compiled a 10-2 record Thursday on the opening day of the ITA Ohio Valley Regional Championships. The team tallied six singles victories and four doubles wins at Goodfriend Tennis Center.
The Lady Vols got off to a hot start, winning six out of its seven singles matches. Singles play was highlighted by Sofia Cabezas and Alana Wolfberg recording their first wins on Rocky Top. Cabezas beat Miami of Ohio’s Sara Zalukar 6-4 and 6-2. Wolfberg played a solid two sets, resulting in 6-0 and 6-1 wins vs. Maialen Morante from Kentucky.
“It was very special and it feels so good to be playing at our courts,” Wolfberg said. “You can just feel the energy within the facility and there is a lot of orange everywhere. It feels like home so I am so happy I got the win today.”
Singles play also included Esther Adeshina’s three-set triumph over Louisville’s Lika Persypkina – 6-2, 4-6 and 6-3. The Lady Vols continued to shine with Lauren Anzalotta shutting out Angela Rinaldi from Northern Kentucky in two 6-0 sets.
“I love this tournament because it brings out the best in everyone involved,” head coach Alison Ojeda said. “Each player is fighting for a spot at Fall Nationals. If that doesn’t fire you up, I’m not sure what will. We saw some very good tennis today. Players who were able to get on and off the court quickly, did just that. Other players were forced to battle through more competitive matches, battled until the very end. Both of those traits are incredibly important for us to experience this time of year.”
In doubles action, The Big Orange tallied four victories against various teams. Doubles pairs Adeshina/Cabezas and Wolfberg/Catherine Aulia were unstoppable, finishing the day with 2-0 records. Adeshina/Cabezas beat Dell/Kotre (IUPUI) 8-1, before securing an 8-1 victory over Teodosescu/L’allier (IU). Wolfberg/Aulia defeated Rovira/Ralitsa (MTSU) 8-3, then added an 8-4 win against Amendola/Grosmann (TSU).
Tennessee returns to the courts tomorrow for the second day of main draw play. Doubles start at 10 a.m. at Goodfriend Tennis Center.
Full results from Thursday’s action can be found below.
Thursday, October 19, 2023
Doubles
Wolfberg/Aulia (TENN) def. Rovira/Ralitsa (MTSU) – 8-3
Adeshina/Cabezas (TENN) def. Dell/Kotre (IUPUI) – 8-1
Kreugel/Slezakova (MSU) def. Molinaro/Anzalotta (TENN) – 8-6
Wolfberg/Aulia (TENN) vs. Amendola/Grosmann (TSU) – 8-4
Adeshina/Cabezas (TENN)…
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