University of Tennessee Athletics
Three Lady Vols Selected for NCAA Singles & Doubles Championship
May 04, 2022 | Women's Tennis
KNOXVILLE – Following Tennessee's team selection to the 2022 NCAA Women's Tennis Championship, three individuals were added to the main draw of the Singles and Doubles Championship. In singles, senior Rebeka Mertena earned an at-large bid, while in doubles Tenika McGiffin and Daria Kuczer were chosen for the draw.
The singles and doubles competition will be conducted May 23-28 at the Khan Outdoor Tennis Complex in Champaign, Illinois, after the conclusion of the team championship, which runs May 19-22. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will serve as host.
"One of the most exciting things about our sport is the opportunity to compete as a team as well as individually," head coach Alison Ojeda said. "Rebeka as well as Daria and Tenika have all earned their spot into the individual event. I am greatly looking forward to coaching them as they compete to become an All-American and National Champion."
With the two different selections, one in singles and one in doubles, the Lady Vols have multiple individuals competing at the NCAA Championship for the first time since 2013.
Mertena, currently ranked No. 29 in the ITA National Singles Rankings, has posted a 23-15 record this season and was named First Team All-SEC last Thursday. The senior leads the team with eight ranked victories in singles and has been in the ITA singles rankings for the entirety of the 2021-22 season. With her entry to the tournament, Mertena will be competing at her first career NCAA Individual Championship. Â
McGiffin was also selected in singles but will be an alternate.
Kuczer and McGiffin have put together an incredibly strong season in doubles, currently holding the No. 21 position. Combined they have five ranked victories, three coming against top-25 opponents with two of those being No. 1 and No. 2. The pairing has consistently been in the top-25 of the ITA rankings, climbing as high as No. 6 in early February. Both Kuczer and McGiffin will be playing in their first NCAA Individual Championship.
Also selected as an alternate, this time in doubles, is the pair of Mertena and Esther Adeshina.
Tennessee kicks off its postseason journey Saturday morning when it takes on VCU at 11 a.m. in Raleigh, N.C.
The singles and doubles competition will be conducted May 23-28 at the Khan Outdoor Tennis Complex in Champaign, Illinois, after the conclusion of the team championship, which runs May 19-22. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will serve as host.
"One of the most exciting things about our sport is the opportunity to compete as a team as well as individually," head coach Alison Ojeda said. "Rebeka as well as Daria and Tenika have all earned their spot into the individual event. I am greatly looking forward to coaching them as they compete to become an All-American and National Champion."
With the two different selections, one in singles and one in doubles, the Lady Vols have multiple individuals competing at the NCAA Championship for the first time since 2013.
Mertena, currently ranked No. 29 in the ITA National Singles Rankings, has posted a 23-15 record this season and was named First Team All-SEC last Thursday. The senior leads the team with eight ranked victories in singles and has been in the ITA singles rankings for the entirety of the 2021-22 season. With her entry to the tournament, Mertena will be competing at her first career NCAA Individual Championship. Â
McGiffin was also selected in singles but will be an alternate.
Kuczer and McGiffin have put together an incredibly strong season in doubles, currently holding the No. 21 position. Combined they have five ranked victories, three coming against top-25 opponents with two of those being No. 1 and No. 2. The pairing has consistently been in the top-25 of the ITA rankings, climbing as high as No. 6 in early February. Both Kuczer and McGiffin will be playing in their first NCAA Individual Championship.
Also selected as an alternate, this time in doubles, is the pair of Mertena and Esther Adeshina.
Tennessee kicks off its postseason journey Saturday morning when it takes on VCU at 11 a.m. in Raleigh, N.C.
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
Friday, March 20
Thursday, March 20
Saturday, May 18
Wednesday, May 15
