The Tennessee Lady Vols tennis team has once again etched their name into the history books by advancing to the Elite 8 in the 2025 NCAA Women’s Tennis Tournament. This remarkable achievement marks their fourth appearance in the Elite 8 and their second consecutive year reaching this prestigious stage of collegiate tennis.
Match Recap: A Dominant Performance Against Virginia
On May 9, 2025, the 10th-seeded Lady Vols (19-7) faced off against the 7th-seeded Virginia team (22-5) in the Super Regional round at the Boar’s Head Tennis Center in Charlottesville, Virginia. In a display of skill and determination, Tennessee swept Virginia with a decisive 4-0 victory, securing their spot in the Elite 8.
The match began with Tennessee clinching the crucial doubles point, which set the tone for the rest of the contest. The duo of No. 72 Elza Tomase and Saray Yli-Piipari defeated No. 41 Martina Genis Salas and Annabelle Xu 6-3, while No. 30 Catherine Aulia and Leyla Britez Risso triumphed over Karolina Kozakova and Melodie Collard 7-5. With the doubles point secured, the Lady Vols carried their momentum into the singles matches.
In singles play, Vanesa Suarez led the charge, defeating Karolina Kozakova 6-1, 6-0. Catherine Aulia followed suit, overcoming #34 Annabelle Xu 6-3, 6-0. The clinching point came from #7 Elza Tomase, who bested #27 Sara Ziodato 6-1, 6-3. With the match secured, the remaining singles contests were left unfinished.
This victory not only propelled the Lady Vols into the Elite 8 but also marked the 808th program victory, highlighting their storied legacy in collegiate tennis.
A Storied History: The Lady Vols’ NCAA Tournament Legacy
The Tennessee Lady Vols have a rich tradition in the NCAA Women’s Tennis Tournament, with 31 appearances, including an impressive streak of 20 consecutive tournaments from 1995 to 2014. Their previous Elite 8 appearances came in 2024, 2010, and 2002, with their best result being a semifinal berth in 2002. This year’s advancement adds another chapter to their storied history, showcasing their consistent excellence on the national stage.
Under the leadership of head coach Alison Ojeda, now in her eighth year at the helm, the team has shown remarkable growth and resilience. Ojeda, a former Lady Vol herself, has been instrumental in maintaining the program’s competitive edge. Reflecting on the team’s performance against Virginia, Ojeda praised their capability and the unwavering support from fans, stating, “Virginia is a great team, but I loved that we were able to come out here knowing what we are capable of. For us to get the doubles point and have the fan support that we had was huge.”
Looking Ahead: The Challenge of Texas A&M
The Lady Vols now set their sights on the #2-seeded Texas A&M Aggies in the Quarterfinals of the 2025 NCAA Women’s Tennis Tournament. This matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter between two powerhouse SEC teams. While Texas A&M holds a higher seed, the Lady Vols have already proven their ability to rise to the occasion, as evidenced by their upset of Virginia.
The exact date and time for this highly anticipated match are yet to be announced, but one thing is clear: the Lady Vols are ready to give their all as they aim to advance further in the tournament.
The Tennessee Lady Vols’ advancement to the Elite 8 is a testament to their hard work, skill, and determination. As they prepare to face Texas A&M, they carry with them not only their recent success but also the legacy of a program that has consistently been among the best in the nation. With a balanced mix of experience and talent, the Lady Vols have the potential to make even deeper runs in the tournament.
