KNOXVILLE, Tenn.“ In a thrilling showdown at the Goodfriend Tennis Center, the 18th-ranked Tennessee women’s tennis team edged out #15 Ohio State, securing a 4-3 win on Saturday afternoon to punch their ticket to the ITA National Team Indoor Championship.
The Lady Vols, who last achieved this milestone in 2012, will join elite company at the indoor championship hosted by Illinois and Northwestern from Feb. 7-11. Tennessee now shares this accomplishment with their 2012, 2011, and 2010 squads.
“This is what college tennis is all about,†said assistant coach Elizabeth Scotty. “It’s incredible to see both teams give everything they’ve got. Ohio State brought their best after doubles, but our team rallied together, step by step, and found a way to pull through. It was truly special.â€
Tennessee started strong by claiming the doubles point. The duo of Elza Tomase and Elim Yan defeated Dani Schoenly and Sydni Ratliff 6-3, while Catherine Aulia and Leyla Britez Risso secured the 1-0 lead with a convincing 6-3 win over Teah Chavez and Luciana Perry.
In singles, Ohio State stormed back, taking consecutive matches to gain a 2-1 edge. No. 19 Aulia fell 2-6, 2-6 to Teah Chavez, and No. 54 Vanesa Suarez lost 1-6, 3-6 against Nao Nishino.
Tennessee responded in dramatic fashion. No. 10 Tomase defeated No. 8 Luciana Perry in a marquee matchup, 6-3, 6-4, tying the score at 2-2. Ohio State struck back as Maeve Thornton was bested by Shelly Bereznyak, 2-6, 3-6. But the Lady Vols evened things up once more as No. 106 Britez Risso rallied for a 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 triumph over No. 84 Ratliff.
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The decisive moment came from Conley Raidt, who played her first home match as a Lady Vol. Facing the pressure, she delivered a clutch 6-1, 4-6, 7-6 (7-5) win against No. 46 Audrey Spencer, clinching the victory for Tennessee. This marked Raidt’s second match-clinching performance of the season, the first coming against ECU.
Raidt expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to represent Tennessee: “Playing at home, with the fans and my teammates behind me, was unforgettable. It’s not just about me—it’s about doing it for this program and everyone who supports us.â€
Looking Ahead
The Lady Vols will now prepare for the ITA National Team Indoor Championships, set to take place in early February.
Key Takeaways
• The victory marked Tennessee’s 791st win in program history.
• Head coach Alison Ojeda recorded her 147th career win, solidifying her place as the third-winningest coach in program history.
• Tennessee has now advanced to the ITA National Indoors for the fourth time in program history, joining their 2010, 2011, and 2012 teams.
• The Lady Vols secured their first victory over Ohio State since 2013, improving to 17-6 in the all-time series.
Results
Singles
1. #10 Elza Tomase (TENN) def. #8 Luciana Perry (OSU) 6-3, 6-4
2. Teah Chavez (OSU) def. #19 Catherine Aulia (TENN) 6-2, 6-2
3. Shelly Bereznyak (OSU) def. Maeve Thornton (TENN) 6-2, 6-3
4. #106 Leyla Britez Risso (TENN) def. #84 Sydni Ratliff (OSU) 3-6, 6-3, 6-2
5. Nao Nishino (OSU) def. #54 Vanesa Suarez (TENN) 6-1, 6-3
6. Conley Raidt (TENN) def. #46 Audrey Spencer (OSU) 6-1, 4-6, 7-6 (7-5)
Doubles
1. Elza Tomase/Elim Yan (TENN) def. Dani Schoenly/Sydni Ratliff (OSU) 6-2
2. Catherine Aulia/Leyla Britez Risso (TENN) def. Teah Chavez/Luciana Perry (OSU) 6-3
3. Maeve Thornton/Vanesa Suarez (TENN) vs. Nao Nishino/Audrey Spencer (OSU) 5-3, unfinished
