The 16th-seeded Tennessee women’s tennis team halted top-ranked Oklahoma State’s 29-match winning streak with a 4-2 triumph, propelling them to the NCAA Elite Eight for the first time since 2010 at Greenwood Tennis Center on Saturday night.
This landmark victory ended the Cowgirls’ record-setting winning streak, marking their first loss since May 6, 2023. The Lady Volunteers secured their third-ever Elite Eight appearance, achieving a significant milestone by defeating a top-ranked seed in the postseason for the first time.
Head coach Alison Ojeda expressed immense pride and excitement for the team, stating, “Throughout the semester, we’ve emphasized the special qualities of this group. It’s not just about tennis; it’s about our collective heart and determination to unite in crucial moments. This was evident against Duke and again today, and it will be evident on Friday. Whether we win or lose, reaching that level of unity allows us to perform at our best. I couldn’t be more thrilled.”
Tennessee (21-7, 9-4 SEC) put up a strong fight in the doubles matches but ultimately fell short against Oklahoma State (29-1, 16-0 Big 12). Esther Adeshina and Alana Wolfberg secured the lone doubles victory, defeating Ayumi Miyamoto and Raquel Gonzalez with a score of 6-3. Despite a close battle, the No. 11-ranked pair of Sofia Cabezas and Elza Tomase succumbed to the No. 3-ranked duo of Anastasiya Komar and Ange Oby Kajuru, losing 4-6. Catherine Aulia and Lauren Anzalotta also faced defeat, falling 4-6 to Safiya Carrington and Kristinia Novak.
After falling 1-0, the Lady Vols shifted the momentum and rallied to uplift the score. Wolfberg was the first to claim a victory, with her opponent retiring due to a medical forfeit on court three. Aulia tallied a 6-4, 6-1 victory against No. 72 Safiya Carrington. Adeshina retired Kristina Novak in 6-4, 6-3 fashion, giving Novak her only loss of the season.
It means everything, and we love fighting for each other,” Adeshina said. “We all believe in each other. Last year I remember Alison (Ojeda) saying that whenever we played top teams, we thought we had a chance, but we didn’t expect to win. I think today and all season we have expected to win these matches. That is what happened today.”
No. 14 Cabezas then clinched the match by knocking off No. 18 Anastasiya Komar in a thriller after losing the first set. She battled back and took it in a tiebreaker, 2-6, 6-1, 7-6 (6).
I could not be happier,” Cabezas said. “These girls are like family to me, and I just want to keep going. I don’t want to leave this team. I want to play as long as possible. I am so happy, so happy. This team can beat anyone.”
NEXT UP:
Tennessee advanced to the NCAA quarterfinals and will play No. 8-seeded UCLA in Stillwater, Okla. The match is set for 6:30 p.m. CT/7:30 p.m. ET Friday. The winner of that match will face the winner of No. 5 Virginia-No. 13 Texas A&M in the semifinals on at 6:30 p.m. CT Saturday.
Match Notables:
Tennessee advanced to the NCAA Elite Eight for the third time in program history (2024, 2010, 2002).
The win marked the 786th victory for the Tennessee women’s tennis program.
Head coach Alison Ojeda now owns 142 victories during her tenure, making her the third-highest winning coach in program history.
Tennessee has now defeated 12 ranked opponents this season, six ranked in the top-25.
Sunday’s victory marked the second in program history against Oklahoma State, including the first in the Ojeda era.
Saturday’s win marked the first time the Lady Vols have beaten a Big 12 opponent in the NCAA Tournament since defeating Baylor, 5-1, on May 9, 1997.
- The victory marked the second time in the Ojeda era that a team has posted more than 20 wins, the seventh time in program history. The Lady Vols have now produced back-to-back seasons of at least 21 victories for the first time since 2002-03. It’s the winningest two-year stretch for the program since those two years.
- The win marked the first time since April 7 that the Cowgirls had let up a point or more to their opponent.
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Results:
Doubles
1. #3 Ange Oby Kajuru and Anastasiya Komar (OSUW) def. #11 Sofia Cabezas and Elza Tomase (TENN) 6-4
2. Esther Adeshina and Alana Wolfberg (TENN) def. Raquel Gonzalez and Ayumi Miyamoto (OSUW) 6-3
3. Safiya Carrington and Kristina Novak (OSUW) def. Lauren Anzalotta and Catherine Aulia (TENN) 6-4
Singles
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1. #14 Sofia Cabezas (TENN) def. #18 Anastasiya Komar (OSUW) 2-6 6-1 7-6 (8-6)
2. #3 Ange Oby Kajuru (OSUW) def. Elza Tomase (TENN) 6-2 6-3
3. Alana Wolfberg (TENN) def. #46 Lucia Peyre (OSUW) by retirement 2-0
4. Catherine Aulia (TENN) def. #72 Safiya Carrington (OSUW) 6-4 6-1
5. Lauren Anzalotta (TENN) vs. #84 Ayumi Miyamoto (OSUW) match was unfinished 7-6 (3-7) 6-5
6. Esther Adeshina (TENN) def. Kristina Novak (OSUW) 6-4 6-3
