The Lady Vols (1-1) are coming off ITA Kickoff Weekend in Columbus, Ohio where the Big Orange fell just short of Ohio State in the regional final, dropping the match 4-2. The team did secure a victory over Wake Forest in the season opener, dominating the Demon Deacons, 4-0.
Rebeka Mertena got off to a strong start to the year, winning both of her singles matches. She played at the No. 1 spot both days and tallied a pair of top-30 victories, downing Wake Forest’s 27th-ranked Casie Wooten, 6-2, 6-3, to clinch the match on Friday. Then, she bested No. 15 Sydni Ratliff, 7-6(6), 6-2, Saturday afternoon.
Both of Wednesday’s matches will be streamed on PlaySight and can be viewed HERE. Further, live stats for the contest can be found HERE.
HEAD COACH ALISON OJEDA
“We really look forward to competing tomorrow afternoon in front of Lady Vol Nation and showing the community how much time and effort we have put into our craft this offseason. If your schedule allows for it, come on out to the facility to cheer on our group as we open the year on Rocky Top!”
FRESH FACES
The 2023 Lady Vols’ squad features four newcomers who will see their first dual match environment Wednesday afternoon at Goodfriend Tennis Center.
Lauren Anzalotta comes to Rocky Top from Tyler Junior College where she enjoyed a stellar career with the Apaches, earning back-to-back national championships and ranking as the top junior college singles player, and No. 2 doubles player in the country.
Catherine Aulia is a freshman from Rosebery, Australia and has been on campus since August. Aulia was in the pre-qualifying stage of the Australian Open in singles and earned an ITF W15 title in doubles at the Chian Rai 3 last spring.
Leyla Britez Risso is the newest Lady Volunteer, arriving on campus in January. She comes to Tennessee from Paraguay and climbed to No. 60 in the ITA Junior Rankings in March 2022.
The final new face is Ashtin Hara of Winnetka, Illinois. Hara prepped at New Trier High School and was a two-time Illinois All-State performer for the Trevians.
ALL-TIME SERIES
Wednesday’s doubleheader will mark the first time Tennessee and Western Carolina face off on the tennis court.
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