Tomase Garners SEC Player of the Week Acclaim

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – For the first time in her already decorated career, Elza Tomase was named SEC Player of the Week, the conference office announced Wednesday afternoon.

Tomase has built upon what was a stellar first season on Rocky Top with an even better start to the 2023 season. She moved up in the lineup, playing primarily at No. 2, and is off to a 7-2 start in dual play. The sophomore, currently sitting at No. 57 in the ITA Singles rankings, has three ranked victories under her belt and added another in the last week of action, dropping No. 80 Anna Ross, 6-2, 6-3, at Vanderbilt to give the Lady Volunteers (11-2, 4-0 SEC) a crucial third point. That third point went a long way towards Tennessee taking the match as the Big Orange pulled out the road victory, 4-3, over the then-No. 17 Commodores.

“Everyone knows Elza can hit a big serve and rip the ball from the baseline, but that alone does not get it done in our conference,” head coach Alison Ojeda said. “What Elza is really allowing herself to develop is taking ownership of her decisions. Whether that is shot selection or how she manages her in-between points, she is really working hard to own her craft.”

“We are so proud of her for taking home this honor and we are excited to continue to coach her,” Ojeda finished.

Tomase becomes the second Lady Vol to earn SEC Player of the Week honors in 2023 after Daria Kuczer earned the award on Feb. 8.

Tomase went 3-0 on the week between singles and doubles. Along with her victory over Ross at VU, she defeated Elizabeth Stevens, 6-3, 6-3, at Kentucky on Sunday. She also teamed up with Catherine Aulia to topple Ellie Eades and Zoe Hammond, 6-2, and take the first match in doubles from the Wildcats.

A season ago, the native of Liepaja, Latvia was well-recognized for her on-court impact by the coaches of the league. She was a member of the SEC Championship All-Tournament Team and was recognized as a Second Team All-SEC performer. Tomase also earned SEC Freshman of the Week recognition on Jan. 26.

Tomase and the rest of the Tennessee women’s tennis team gears up for a big SEC weekend, putting their perfect start to conference play on the line when No. 8 Auburn comes to town on Friday, March 17, at 4 p.m. ET.

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