#17 Tennessee Prevails to Semifinals, Outlasting #16 Auburn in 4-3

Friday, April 19

Athens, Ga

6 p.m.

University of Tennessee

#16 [5] Auburn

#17 Tennessee Prevails to Semifinals, Outlasting #16 Auburn in 4-3

April 19, 2024 | Women's Tennis

Box Score Box Score (PDF)

ATHENS, Ga. – The No. 17 Tennessee women's tennis team is headed to the semifinals of the Southeastern Conference Tournament after posting a 4-3 victory against No. 16 Auburn Friday night. The Lady Volunteers extended their winning streak to seven matches and surpassed their first-round opponent for the third straight year.

"We knew this evening would be a battle against Auburn and that's exactly what it was, right up until the last point," Ojeda said. "Our team did an amazing job at No. 1 and No. 3 doubles to give us a 1-0 lead going into singles. We battled on every court, just as they did. Sofia (Cabezas) played very committed and disciplined tennis, which is why she was able to beat one of the best players in college tennis."

Four-seeded Tennessee (18-6, 9-4 SEC) took on a big task against three-ranked doubles opponents from five-seeded Auburn (16-10, 9-4 SEC) but clinched the doubles advantage thrillingly. Lauren Anzalotta and Catherine Aulia blazed past No. 85 Carolyn Ansari and Selin Ovunuc in 6-1 fashion. The No. 12-ranked duo of Sofia Cabezas and Elza Tomase filed a 6-4 victory over the No. 9-ranked DJ Bennett and Ariana Areseneault. The No. 77-ranked duo of Esther Adeshina and Alana Wolfberg dropped their match to the No. 46-ranked pair of Adeline Flach and Angella Okutoyi, 1-6.

The Lady Vols showcased a wealth of talent in singles, storming behind from a 3-1 deficit and closing out the match with three phenomenal wins. Aulia added the first singles win in a 7-6 (4), 6-3 decision over No. 83 Ariana Arseneault. No. 18 Cabezas posted a 4-6, 6-1, 6-3 triumph over No. 6 Carolyn Ansari. Leyla Britez Risso clinched the match with a 7-6 (7), 2-6, 6-4 win against Ava Esposito Cogan.

"Leyla (Britez Risso) stepped up her level of tennis when she needed to close out the win for us," Ojeda remarked. "The team is all smiles now, so we will enjoy this for the next hour and then it's time to turn all of our focus to UGA. We are very excited to compete on their home courts tomorrow in front of what will inevitably be a great crowd."

Three Big Orange members fell to their respective opponents. Anzalotta dropped her match 6-3, 6-2 to Adeline Flach. Adeshina could not overcome Aneglla Okutoyi, 6-7 (7), 3-6. Tomase tallied a 4-6, 5-7 result against No. 58 DJ Bennett.

NEXT UP:

The Lady Volunteers will advance to the Semifinals to face No. 1 seed Georgia on Saturday at Dan Magill Tennis Complex, with first serve set for 3 p.m.

Match Notables:

The win marked the 783rd victory for the Tennessee women's tennis program.
Head coach Alison Ojeda now owns 139 victories during her tenure.
Friday's victory marked the 39th time Tennessee has claimed a win against the Tigers, their eighth while playing at a neutral site.
The victory marked the second postseason win against Auburn during the Ojeda era.
The win expanded their winning streak to seven matches, two matches behind last year's season-best nine-match winning streak.
The squad secured the doubles advantage for the 21st time this season.
Sofia Cabezas and Elza Tomase posted their eighth consecutive doubles win.
In the past three seasons, the Lady Vols have surpassed their first-round opponent in the SEC tournament.
Catherine Aulia registered her 30th career doubles win.
Sofia Cabezas earned her 70th career singles win.