The University of Tennessee women’s tennis team, ranked No. 15, lost to No. 33 South Carolina by a score of 4-1 on April 2.
The match was important for both teams as they approach the end of the regular season and prepare for upcoming challenges. Tennessee’s loss puts their record at 11 wins and seven losses overall, with six wins and six losses in conference play.
Tennessee head coach Alison Ojeda said, “South Carolina had nothing to lose tonight and came out swinging. They performed better than us and deserved the win.” Ojeda added, “For our team, it’s time to show ourselves how good we are. In doing so, we will limit external and internal distractions.”
South Carolina took an early lead by winning the doubles point after victories on courts two and one. Tennessee’s pair Katrina Scott and Maeve Thornton were ahead on court three when doubles concluded but could not finish their set due to the other results being decided first.
In singles play, Tennessee won only two first sets across six courts. Catherine Aulia secured a set win on court four while Francesca Mattioli overcame an early deficit to claim her first set on court five before ultimately winning her match in straight sets for Tennessee’s only point of the day.
South Carolina extended its lead with wins from Jane Dunyon on court six and Helena Buchwald on court two before Mattioli scored for Tennessee. With South Carolina up 3-0 at that stage, Tennessee needed victories in all remaining matches but could not complete a comeback as Kaitlyn Carnicella defeated Katrina Scott in straight sets.
Looking ahead, Tennessee will face top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs in Athens this Saturday with first serve scheduled for 3 p.m.
