Lady Vols Drop Kickoff Weekend Final, 4-2, to Ohio State

Saturday, January 28

Columbus, OH

4 PM

University of Tennessee

Ohio State

Lady Vols Drop Kickoff Weekend Final, 4-2, to Ohio State

January 28, 2023 | Women's Tennis

Box Score Box Score (PDF)

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A furious late singles comeback came up just short for the 22nd-ranked Tennessee women's tennis team as it fell to No. 12 Ohio State, 4-2, Saturday afternoon at Ty Tucker Tennis Center.

"Big credit to Ohio State," head coach Alison Ojeda said. "There is a reason they are a top 10 team year after year and they showed why again tonight. Of the seven points to be won, I truly believe we could have won 6 of them. But we didn't. They did. It's tough."

"The best thing about today is that it's late January," Ojeda continued. "We have a long season ahead of us and if we can capitalize on our strengths, I'm certain it will be an exciting one."

Ohio State claimed the doubles point, but the Lady Vols (1-1), quickly rebounded and came out strong in singles. On the top two courts, Rebeka Mertena and Elza Tomase turned in a strong effort, claiming both points for UT.

The win for Mertena marked a ranked one as she defeated No. 15 Sydni Ratliff, 7-6(6), 6-2, while Tomase topped Isabelle Boulais, 7-6(5), 6-2.

For both Mertena and Tomase, the first set was a battle, fighting for every point and every break in the match. But as the tiebreaker concluded and the Big Orange found itself with a set lead, the pair kicked into gear, dominating the second set and moving their respective opponents around the court with ease.

Full results from Saturday's match against the Buckeyes can be found below.

UP NEXT
Tennessee prepares for its home opener on Feb. 1 when the Lady Vols welcome Western Carolina to Rocky Top for a midweek doubleheader at noon and 3 p.m. at Goodfriend Tennis Center. Admission to the match is free.

#12 Ohio State 4, #22 Tennessee 2

Singles
1. #76 Rebeka Mertena (TENN) def. #15 Sydni Ratliff (OSU) 7-6 (8-6), 6-2
2. #68 Elza Tomase (TENN) def. Isabelle Boulais (OSU) 7-6 (7-5), 6-2
3. #30 Irina Cantos Siemers (OSU) vs. #55 Daria Kuczer (TENN) 1-6, 6-4, 3-2, unfinished
4. #116 Kolie Allen (OSU) def. Eleonora Molinaro (TENN) 4-6, 6-1, 7-5
5. Shelly Bereznyak (OSU) def. Lauren Anzalotta (TENN) 6-2, 6-1
6. Lucia Marzal (OSU) def. Esther Adeshina (TENN) 6-2, 1-6, 6-2

Doubles
1. Sydni Ratliff/Isabelle Boulais (OSU) vs. Eleonora Molinaro/Daria Kuczer (TENN) 4-4, unfinished
2. Irina Cantos Siemers/Akanksha Bhan (OSU) def. Esther Adeshina/Rebeka Mertena (TENN) 6-3
3. Kolie Allen/Kathleen Jones (OSU) def. Elza Tomase/Lauren Anzalotta (TENN) 6-2