Lady Vols Stage Epic Comeback to Clinch ITA Kickoff Weekend Title!
The Lady Vols tennis team secured their place in the ITA Indoor Championship by defeating Ohio State 4-3 during the ITA Kickoff Weekend at the Goodfriend Tennis Center. The No. 18-ranked Lady Vols (4-0) triumphed over the No. 15 Buckeyes (3-1) in a thrilling match that showcased their resilience and teamwork.
In doubles play, Elza Tomase and Elim Yan dominated Ohio State’s Dani Schoenly and Sydni Ratliff with a 6-2 victory, setting the tone for the Lady Vols. Leyla Britez Risso and Catherine Aulia followed suit, defeating Luciana Perry and Teah Chavez 6-3 on Court 2. The doubles round concluded without needing the final match, as Maeve Thorton and Vanessa Suarez were leading 5-3 on Court 3 when the round was called.
However, Ohio State came out strong in singles play, claiming the first three points. Chavez defeated Aulia 6-2, 6-2, handing Aulia her first singles loss of the season. Suarez fell to Nao Nishino 6-1, 6-3 on Court 5, while Thorton lost to Shelly Bereznyak 6-2, 6-3 on Court 3, putting Ohio State ahead 3-1.
Assistant coach Elizabeth Scotty praised the team’s ability to rally after Ohio State’s strong start. “Ohio State came out strong after the doubles point, but the team fought back together, slowly regaining momentum,” she said.
The Lady Vols turned the match around with crucial wins. No. 10-ranked Tomase defeated No. 8 Perry 6-3, 6-4, improving her singles record to 4-0 this season. Britez Risso secured a hard-fought victory over No. 84 Ratliff 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 on Court 4, tying the score at 3-3.
The decisive moment came on Court 6, where Conley Raidt faced No. 46 Audrey Spencer. Raidt won the first set 6-1, but Spencer countered with a 6-4 win in the second set, forcing a tiebreak in the third. Raidt held her nerve, clinching the victory for the Lady Vols with a 7-6 win and earning her first match-clinching victory for the team.
“This was my best win, my best everything,” Raidt said. “Playing at home, in front of our fans and teammates, is unmatched. I do it for them.”
The Lady Vols’ comeback victory highlights their determination and sets the stage for their upcoming ITA Indoor National Championship campaign.
