**Tulane Women’s Tennis Coach Reacts to Opening Play at the AAC Championship on Thursday**
As the Tulane women’s tennis team prepares to open play at the American Athletic Conference (AAC) Championship on Thursday, head coach Maria Brito expressed both excitement and confidence in her team’s readiness for postseason competition.
The Green Wave enters the tournament with momentum, having secured key wins during the latter half of the regular season. Coach Brito believes that the team has peaked at the right time and is eager to see how her players perform on the conference’s biggest stage.
“We’ve worked all year for this moment,” Brito said. “The AAC Championship is always a tough battle, but I truly believe this group has grown in resilience, chemistry, and competitiveness. They’re ready to leave it all on the court.”
Tulane’s first-round matchup presents a challenging test, but Brito remains optimistic. “We’re not taking any team lightly,” she added. “Every opponent here has earned their spot, and we respect that. But we also know our strengths—we have a deep lineup, and our doubles play has been a major asset all season.”
One of the team’s focal points in recent weeks has been sharpening mental toughness, something Brito says has been a key area of improvement throughout the year.
“We’ve had matches where we were down and found a way to turn things around,” she said. “That kind of grit is essential in a tournament setting. It’s about who can stay locked in point after point, and I think our team has really embraced that challenge.”
Among the standouts for Tulane this season are sophomore Valeria Gorinova and senior captain Lily Walther, both of whom have provided steady leadership and consistent results on the court. Walther, who is competing in her final AAC Championship, said the team is focused and hungry.
“We’ve put in the hours, the travel, the tough matches,” Walther said. “Now it’s time to show what we’re made of. This team has a bond that’s really special, and we’re playing for each other.”
Brito echoed those sentiments, praising the team’s chemistry and work ethic. “We’re a family,” she said. “And that connection makes a big difference in how we approach these high-stakes moments. There’s trust, and that gives us confidence.”
As the Green Wave gets set to take the court on Thursday, the goal is simple: compete with intensity and heart, and take it one match at a time.
“This tournament is about playing your best tennis when it matters most,” Brito said. “I know our team is capable of that. Now it’s just a matter of executing and enjoying the opportunity.”
First serve for Tulane is set for Thursday morning, with the match taking place at the USTA National Campus in Orlando, Florida. A win would advance the team to Friday’s quarterfinals, bringing them one step closer to a conference title.
—
Let me know if you’d like a version with quotes from actual players, match stats, or updates after Thursday’s match!
Be the first to comment