Pair of Lady Vols Set to Closeout Fall Slate at ITA National Fall Championship
November 03, 2021 | Women's Tennis
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Rebeka Mertena and Elza Tomase finish out the fall season of play for the Tennessee women's tennis team this weekend at the ITA National Fall Championship at the Barnes Tennis Center in San Diego, California.
"Anytime you can play a tournament made up of winners and finalists from around the country it should spike your enthusiasm," associate head coach Jarryd Chaplin said. "Both girls have had a handful of good performances this fall. The opportunity to collect a few more of those would be a step in the right direction."
Only 32 individuals qualify for the singles draw, which Mertena and Tomase are both playing in. Selection comes from finishing as a finalist in one of 12 regions, making the finals at the ITA All-American Championship, or earning a wild card. Mertena and Tomase both qualified after making the singles final at the ITA Ohio Valley Regional.
Tomase has had a strong fall of tennis in her first season on Rocky Top. The freshman has seen growth both in training and in match play as she has competed in 20 matches since the first tournament in September. She earned her second win over a ranked opponent a week ago, taking down Anna Brylin of Wake Forest who was No. 62 in singles. This weekend's action will pit her against many high-end competitors and all signs from the fall point to her being up to the challenges of such a high-profile tournament.
Mertena adds a level of experience to the National Fall Championship as she played in singles at the event two years ago. The senior is one win away from 70 in her career and has accumulated 12 in the fall season.
The two Lady Vols share an extra bond and will have an added layer of emotional support as they both hail from Liepaja, Latvia and prepped at Liepaja State Gymnasium 1.
The draw is not currently available, but all information from the event will be communicated via the team's official Twitter account.
"Anytime you can play a tournament made up of winners and finalists from around the country it should spike your enthusiasm," associate head coach Jarryd Chaplin said. "Both girls have had a handful of good performances this fall. The opportunity to collect a few more of those would be a step in the right direction."
Only 32 individuals qualify for the singles draw, which Mertena and Tomase are both playing in. Selection comes from finishing as a finalist in one of 12 regions, making the finals at the ITA All-American Championship, or earning a wild card. Mertena and Tomase both qualified after making the singles final at the ITA Ohio Valley Regional.
Tomase has had a strong fall of tennis in her first season on Rocky Top. The freshman has seen growth both in training and in match play as she has competed in 20 matches since the first tournament in September. She earned her second win over a ranked opponent a week ago, taking down Anna Brylin of Wake Forest who was No. 62 in singles. This weekend's action will pit her against many high-end competitors and all signs from the fall point to her being up to the challenges of such a high-profile tournament.
Mertena adds a level of experience to the National Fall Championship as she played in singles at the event two years ago. The senior is one win away from 70 in her career and has accumulated 12 in the fall season.
The two Lady Vols share an extra bond and will have an added layer of emotional support as they both hail from Liepaja, Latvia and prepped at Liepaja State Gymnasium 1.
The draw is not currently available, but all information from the event will be communicated via the team's official Twitter account.
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Tennis
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