Lady Vols Rally to Defeat Old Dominion, 4-3

Saturday, January 20

Norfolk, Va.

1:00 PM

University of Tennessee

Old Dominion

January 20, 2018 | Women's Tennis

NORFOLK, Va. -- The Tennessee women's tennis team rallied from an early deficit to defeat Old Dominion, 4-3, on the road at the Folkes-Stevens Tennis Center on Saturday in its season opener.

"We knew Old Dominion was going to be tough, and from start to finish, they were," said head coach Alison Ojeda. "I actually think us losing the doubles point helped us out. As a team, we were able to come together before singles started and discuss the importance of competing for every single point. Whether we were up 1-0 or down 0-1, it didn't matter; we had to fight.

"Sadie and Gabby both came out and set the tone with their level of focus, their energy and their execution. Sadie's opponent has a fantastic serve and first ball, so she is in every single point, but Sadie was too tough and was physically and mentally an absolute stud.

"When you think of Ari you think 'world class competitor.' That's the best way to sum up today's match on her end. Winning at this level comes down to the tiny little details, and she is someone who not only pays attention to the details but also has the competitive fire to go for it under pressure situations. She embraces those moments, and win or lose, that's what sets her apart from her opponents.

"Tonight was one of the best team matches I've ever been a part of. I can't wait to get some food and get back to it tomorrow against a good William and Mary team!"

The Lady Vols dropped the doubles point in 6-4 matches on Courts 1 and 2. After tying things up at 1-1 with a 6-2, 6-3 victory by Gabby Schuck over Victoria Olivarez on Court 4, the Monarchs quickly retook a 3-1 lead, but the momentum on the remaining courts was in favor of UT.

"It was an absolute battle today," admitted assistant coach Ty Schaub. "What a first match to get the squad back to being comfortable in the heat of a close dual match, and for the freshman getting comfortable right away. We had some girls really step up and win a big match at spots higher than they have played in the past, which is huge testament to them working on their game and developing. We have a lot to work on but the fight is there with this team and we have an opportunity to get really good."

Freshman Kaitlin Staines, who was a midterm enrollee, captured a win in her first collegiate match, downing Louie McLelland, 7-5, 6-2, on Court 5.

"There is nothing better than having teammates behind you after every single point," said Staines. "Today was the best experience I've ever had on a tennis court."

Sadie Hammond quickly followed up with a victory of her own, holding off Holly Hutchinson in a three-setter on Court 1, 6-4, 4-6, 6-1.

"This match shows how much heart and grit our team has," Hammond said. "No matter what the score is, we're going to fight until the last point is played. So proud of our team and so proud to be a Tennessee Vol."

Tied at 3-3, the match came down to a third set on Court 3 between Ariadna Riley and Yulia Starodubtseva. ODU took the first set, but Riley fought back to take her court, 2-6, 6-2, 6-4, and give Tennessee the 4-3 edging over a solid Old Dominion team.

"It was incredible to be back again and to play along side my amazing teammates," Riley said after the match. "We've put in the hard work day-in and day-out throughout all of fall and into this month to be able to represent our team and our school at the at level we did today. This win is our first of many, and we're ready to keep using this momentum so we can take care of business in our match tomorrow."

"I loved being back on the match court," said volunteer assistant coach Euan McIntosh. "It was a totally different experience being a coach on the sideline but could not be happier with the result, and I'm so proud of all the girls for fighting through and getting the win."

The Lady Vols stay on the road tomorrow, heading to Williamsburg, Virginia, to face William & Mary in an 11 a.m. match at the McCormack-Nagelsen Tennis Center.

"Great experience to compete for Tennessee with a great group of girls," said Tenika McGiffin. "We are so happy with the win and even more excited for our next matchup tomorrow."

"After a long week of practice, I am very happy to see a team win," said Chelsea Sawyer. "It was a great way to kick off the spring season."

Tennessee 4, Old Dominion 3
Singles
1. Sadie Hammond (UT) def. Holly Hutchinson (ODU), 6-4, 4-6, 6-1
2. Nataliia Vlasova (ODU) def. Elizabeth Profit (UT), 2-6, 4-6
3. Ariadna Riley (UT) def. Yulia Starodubtseva (ODU), 2-6, 6-2, 6-4
4. Gabby Schuck (UT) def. Victoria Olivarez (ODU), 6-2, 6-3
5. Kaitlin Staines (UT) def. Louie McLelland (ODU), 7-5, 6-2
6. Adriana Rajkovic (ODU) def. Tenika McGiffin (UT), 2-6, 4-6

Doubles
1. Hutchinson/Starodubtseva (ODU) def. Hammond/Schuck (UT), 6-4
2. Olivarez/Vlasova (ODU) def. Profit/Riley (UT), 6-4
3. McGiffin/Staines (UT) vs. Rajkovic/Malenko (ODU), 5-6

Order of Finish: Doubles (1, 2); Singles (4, 2, 6, 5, 1, 3)