The LSU women’s tennis team defeated Tennessee 4-1 on Apr. 16 at the Headington Family Tennis Center in Norman, Oklahoma, advancing to the quarterfinal round of their tournament.
The win moves LSU to a season record of 17-8 while Tennessee falls to 20-9. The match was highlighted by sophomore Kayla Cross, who secured the final point with a comeback victory over Leyla Britez Risso, winning her singles match after dropping the first set.
Head coach Taylor Fogleman said, “I think all in all, it was a really good performance by our group. I thought we came out exceptionally well in doubles and really took it to them on courts two and three to secure that point. We also got off to some strong starts in singles. Tennessee is a really well-coached, gritty, and competitive group, and they pushed back on us in a lot of spots, but our kids held their nerve like champions. Ella (McDonald) was fantastic today, Carolina (Kuhl) was clutch when she needed to be, and the last few games of Kayla’s (Cross) match were incredibly high-level. We’ll absolutely take that win. Now we need to rest, recharge, and get ready for another great opportunity against Oklahoma tomorrow. The girls are excited for it.”
In doubles play, Carolina Kuhl and Addison Lanton secured an early lead for LSU with a quick win on court three. Kenna Erickson and Ella McDonald then clinched the doubles point with another victory on court two.
Singles matches saw McDonald defeat Vanesa Suarez while Kuhl won against Francesca Mattioli; both wins contributed significantly to LSU’s advantage before Cross sealed the overall victory for her team.
With this result LSU advances to face top-seeded Oklahoma in the quarterfinal round scheduled for Friday at 3:00 p.m.
