STILLWATER, Oklahoma – On Saturday night at Greenwood Tennis Center, the 16th-seeded Tennessee women’s tennis team halted the 29-match winning streak of top-ranked Oklahoma State with a 4-2 victory, making their first trip to the NCAA Elite Eight since 2010.
The Cowgirls’ greatest winning streak in program history was broken by the historic victory, and it was their first loss since May 6, 2023. For the first time in school history, the Lady Volunteers defeated a top-ranked seed in the tournament to punch their ticket to the Elite Eight.
Head coach Alison Ojeda expressed her excitement and pride in the team. “This team has heard us say it all semester: you have a unique quality.
is going to keep us apart. We want to be together during important times. It is in our hearts. That is what you witnessed against Duke, and that is what you will witness once more on Friday. When you arrive there as a team, win or lose, you give yourself permission to perform better. I am ecstatic beyond measure.”
Despite playing a strong doubles point, Tennessee (21-7, 9-4 SEC) was unable to overcome Oklahoma State (29-1, 16-0 Big 12). The sole doubles win came from Esther Adeshina and Alana Wolfberg, who defeated Ayumi Miyamoto and Raquel Gonzalez, 6-3. The No. 3 paring of Anastasiya Komar and Ange Oby Kajuru defeated the No. 11-ranked duo of Sofia Cabezas and Elza Tomase 4-6. Additionally, Safiya Carrington and Kristinia Novak defeated Catherine Aulia and Lauren Anzalotta 4-6.
The Lady Vols took a 1-0 behind and used a comeback to tie the game. Wolfberg was the first to declare victory after her opponent on court three retired owing to a medical forfeit. 6-4, 6-1 was Aulia’s score
72nd No. Safiya Carrington. With a 6-4, 6-3 victory, Adeshina put an end to Kristina Novak’s match, her lone setback of the year.
“It means everything, and we love fighting for each other,” Adeshina stated. “Everyone has faith in one another. When we played elite teams last year, Alison (Ojeda) told me that we thought we had a chance but weren’t expecting to win. We have, I believe, anticipated to win these matches today and throughout the season. That’s what transpired today.”
After dropping the opening set, No. 14 Cabezas secured the victory by unexpectedly defeating No. 18 Anastasiya Komar in an exciting battle. In a tiebreaker, she fought back and won 2-6, 6-1, 7-6 (6).
“I’m ecstatic,” Cabezas declared. I really want to keep going because these females are like family to me. I have no desire to quit this team. My goal is to play for as long as I can. I am ecstatic right now. This group is capable of defeating anybody.”
Next up:
Tennessee has made it to the NCAA quarterfinals, where it will take on UCLA, ranked eighth, in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The game is scheduled for Friday at 6:30 p.m. CT/7:30 p.m. ET. The victor of that contest will play the No. 5 Virginia-No. 13 Texas winner.
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