The Old Dominion women’s tennis team is eagerly preparing to face South Carolina in the opening round of the NCAA tournament this Saturday. This significant event follows their recent success at the Sun Belt Conference championships, where they claimed the title for the second consecutive year.
Ranked 66th, ODU is poised to take on 19th-ranked South Carolina with great enthusiasm and determination. The match is set to commence at 11 a.m. on Saturday morning at N.C. State’s campus, with the winners progressing to the regional finals on Sunday at 2 p.m.
Dominic Manilla, ODU’s Head Coach, has expressed his excitement for the upcoming game, remarking, “It’s our fifth straight appearance, and it is a privilege to play in this. In the NCAA Tournament everyone is good. I think South Carolina’s number one and two players have been ranked tops nationally before. We look forward to competing with them Saturday.”
The team’s recent 13-match winning streak has bolstered their confidence, particularly following their back-to-back victories at the Sun Belt Tournament. Lidiia Rasskouskaia, with an impressive 19-1 record this spring and 12 consecutive wins, stands out as a player to watch. Additionally, Ulyana Romanova and Alexandra Viktorovitch have demonstrated their prowess with records of 16-4 and 14-4 respectively.
Sofia Johnson, with a top-of-the-lineup 12-4 record, has been honoured as Sun Belt Player of the Year and has received first team All-Conference accolades in singles and doubles, alongside Rasskouskaia. The team’s exceptional performance has also been recognized through awards such as Freshman of the Year and Player to Watch.
The imminent clash against South Carolina presents an exciting opportunity for ODU, as these two teams met in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament last year, with ODU emerging victorious with a 4-2 scoreline. This history adds an extra layer of anticipation and motivation for the players.
On the other hand, South Carolina will enter the match with their own set of formidable players, including nationally ranked Ayana Akli and Sarah Hamner, who boast impressive records.
The showdown between ODU and South Carolina promises to be a captivating event for tennis enthusiasts, with all eyes on the talented athletes as they vie for victory in the NCAA opener. As the teams prepare to showcase their skills on the court, anticipation and excitement continue to build among supporters and enthusiasts of the sport.
The upcoming match is not only a test of athletic prowess but also a celebration of dedication, hard work, and the spirit of competition. Both teams are gearing up to deliver an exhilarating display of tennis, and fans can expect nothing less than a thrilling and closely-fought encounter.