By many metrics, it may have appeared the Tennessee women’s tennis team had long odds of beating Oklahoma State in the NCAA Super Regionals.
The Cowgirls were the top seed in the tournament, ranked No. 1 in the country and undefeated at 29-0. They were playing for a chance to win a national title on their home courts with OSU hosting the women’s and men’s NCAA final rounds this season at Greenwood Tennis Center.
But the Lady Vols figured there might be some pressure that came with all those status distinctions. Before they boarded the plane to Stillwater, Oklahoma, the Lady Vols looked at each other and said, “Why not us? Why can’t we get the win?”
Buoyed by the confidence of having played a challenging schedule, No. 16 Tennessee beat No. 1 Oklahoma State 4-2 Saturday to advance to the Elite Eight for the third time in program history and first time since 2010. They will face No. 8 UCLA Friday at 7:30 p.m. EDT at the Greenwood Tennis Center in Stillwater.
“I think we did a good job of not really paying attention to winning and losing and instead focusing on how we performed and let the rest take care of itself,” Lady Vols head coach Alison Ojeda says. “I knew just from experience and being around the sport enough, to be undefeated and hosting the entire thing is a new experience for them and it’s really hard to do.”
A tale of two Elites
Tennessee is one of two schools to have both programs reach the Elite Eight this year along with Virginia. The No. 7 Tennessee men advanced with a thrilling 4-3 home win over Florida State. The Vols play No. 2 Texas in the Elite Eight Thursday at 5 p.m. EDT in Stillwater.
Rather than staying in Oklahoma, the Lady Vols flew home so the players could take finals this week. Half the team was to return to Stillwater Tuesday, and the other half the next day. They will be in attendance for the men’s match.
“Our girls are close with the guys’ team. (Their assistant coach) James McKie has been a big cheerleader for us all year long. It’s been fun,” Ojeda says. “I am excited we are both in the same place. It’s the first time in a long time that has happened.”
After losing the doubles point to Oklahoma State to fall behind 1-0, the Lady Vols rallied in singles. They benefited from an injury retirement from OSU’s Lucia Payne just two games into her match against Alana Wolfberg to even the score.
UT’s Catherine Aulia notched a straight-set win at No. 4 singles, and Esther Adeshina defeated Kristina Novak 6-4, 6-3 at No. 6 singles, handing Novak her first loss of the season, for a 3-2 lead.
Senior Sofia Cabezas clinched the victory by beating No. 18 Anastasiya Komar 2-6, 6-1, 7-6(6) at the No. 1 spot. Cabezas, a transfer from Iowa State, saved two match points in the tiebreaker.
“I could not be happier,” Cabezas says. “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.”
Family additions
Cabezas has been a key addition to a Lady Vols team filled with five seniors, one junior and two sophomores. Although more experienced age-wise than other teams, the Lady Vols didn’t have anyone who had made a deep run in the postseason. Last year, Cabezas clinched a trip to the Elite Eight while playing for Iowa State.
“She brings that experience to our locker room. I think that elevates the entire program,” Ojeda says. “She has really helped take that experience and made it our own. The team believes in who we are and that we have what it takes.”
Ojeda is pregnant with her second child. The baby boy is due in July. Ojeda and her wife, Erin, plan to name him Marcus Rogers after their fathers. They already have a daughter, Summitt, named after late legendary Lady Vols women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt.
Although coaching can be stressful, Ojeda has enjoyed sharing the last few months with her team while preparing to add to her family. She wouldn’t want to be anywhere else than near the courts until the baby arrives.
“This team is special and we have known from the very beginning,” Ojeda says. “They have a bond on and off the court that is one of the best I’ve ever been a part of and I have been around some amazing teams. It’s an amazing culture and it helps take their performance to another level.”
The victory over OSU was the first time the Lady Vols have defeated a top-seeded team in the NCAAs. Despite being the underdogs in the field in Stillwater this weekend, the Lady Vols know from experience metrics on paper don’t always matter.
“We all believe in each other,” Adeshina says. “Last year, I remember Alison saying that whenever we played top teams, we thought we had a chance, but we didn’t expect to win. I think (against OSU) and all season we have expected to win these matches.”