KNOXVILLE, TN - April 14, 2024 - The Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the Vanderbilt Commodores and the Tennessee Lady Volunteers at Goodfriend Tennis Center in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Emma Corona/Tennessee Athletics
#17 Lady Volunteers assert dominance over #30 Commodores on Senior Day, winning 4-0.
The 17th-ranked Tennessee Women’s tennis team concluded their regular season with a resounding victory, shutting out in-state rival No. 30 Vanderbilt, 4-0. This win extended the Lady Volunteers’ winning streak to six matches and marked the third occasion during head coach Alison Ojeda’s tenure that her team secured nine or more regular season SEC wins.
Reflecting on the match, Ojeda noted the substantial progress her team has made since their previous encounter with Vanderbilt two months ago. Back then, the outcome was a narrow victory, but this time, Ojeda observed significant growth and improvement in her squad, as they confidently seized control of the match.
#17 Lady Volunteers assert dominance over #30 Commodores on Senior Day, winning 4-0.
Tennessee (17-6, 9-4 SEC) claimed the pivotal opening point after a hard-fought doubles contest against Vanderbilt (11-9, 6-7 SEC). The duo of Esther Adeshina and Alana Wolfberg, ranked 79th, secured a 6-2 victory against Holly Staff and Anessa Lee (ranked 83rd). Meanwhile, Lauren Anzalotta and Catherine Aulia faced a tough challenge on court three, ultimately falling to Bridget Stammel and Amy Stevens, 5-7. The decisive doubles point was clinched in a tight battle on court one, with the 15th-ranked pair of Sofia Cabezas and Elza Tomase emerging victorious, 7-5, against Celia-Belle Mohr and Anessa Lee, granting Tennessee a 1-0 lead.
Adeshina commented on the challenging doubles match, acknowledging Vanderbilt’s resilience but highlighting her team’s unity and determination heading into singles play.
In singles, the Lady Vols showcased their strength, swiftly securing three consecutive victories to seal the match. Wolfberg claimed the first singles victory, defeating Verlia Ray with a score of 6-0, 6-1. Tomase extended the lead with a 6-4, 6-2 win against the 79th-ranked Bridget Stammel, while Adeshina clinched the victory with a commanding 6-3, 6-1 triumph over Holly Staff.
Following the win on her senior day, Wolfberg expressed her gratitude and pride in her team’s unwavering support throughout the season.
In addition to Wolfberg, the Lady Vols honored Cabezas, Adeshina, Molinaro, and Anzalotta during senior day celebrations.
Looking ahead, the Lady Volunteers will journey to Athens, Georgia, for the 2024 SEC Women’s Tennis Championship. Having earned a double-bye in the tournament, Tennessee awaits the winner of Auburn and Kentucky/Mississippi State for their match on Friday, April 19, at 9 a.m.
