Tomase picked up a gritty, three-set victory over Abbey Forbes of North Carolina. The sophomore battled through tiebreakers in both the first and second sets, winning the first, 7-4, and dropping the second, 4-7. In the third set, she turned it on, winning by a decisive 6-1 margin to advance to the Round of 32 in the tournament.
“All three of our players competed very hard today and each have a lot to be proud of,” head coach Alison Ojeda said after the day of action. “Elza was able to really serve some bombs in the third set and separate herself. She is going to have another great opportunity tomorrow as she takes on a very good Georgia Tech player.”
In the other two matches, fifth-year seniors Daria Kuczer and Rebeka Mertena both fell in their final collegiate match. Kuczer fought through all three sets against Virginia’s Natasha Subhash, but came up just short, 2-6, 6-4, 4-6. Mertena finished her illustrious career at Tennessee after falling to ninth-seeded Maddy Seig of Southern Cal, 4-6, 1-6.
“In regards to Daria and Rebeka: as a coach, it is always hard to watch your players compete in their last collegiate match as Lady Vols,” Ojeda continued. “Daria and Rebeka, one last time, we love you and thank you both for your dedication to our program!”
Results from Day 1, plus a schedule for Day 2 can be found below.
RESULTS & SCHEDULE
Monday, May 22 – Singles Round of 64
Elza Tomase (TENN) def. Abbey Forbes (UNC), 7-6(4), 6-7(4), 6-1
Natasha Subhash (UVA) def. Daria Kuczer (TENN), 6-2, 4-6, 6-4
Maddy Sieg (USC) def Rebeka Mertena (TENN), 6-4, 6-1
Tuesday, May 23 – Doubles Round of 32
Elza Tomase (TENN) vs. Carol Lee (GT) – 9 a.m. ET
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