No. 11 Kentucky’s Southeastern Conference (SEC) Tournament journey came to an abrupt end on Friday, as the team suffered a 0-4 defeat at the hands of No. 3 Tennessee at the Billingsley Tennis Center.
The match began with doubles competition, where the Wildcats’ No. 22-ranked duo of Elizabeth Stevens and Carlota Molina emerged victorious against No. 40 Esther Adeshina and Rebeka Mertena, with a 6-4 win. However, Kentucky’s other pairs could not keep the momentum going, ultimately losing the doubles point to the Volunteers. On Court 2, Lidia Gonzalez and Maialen Morante were bested by Catherine Aulia and Lauren Anzalotta, 3-6, while Ellie Eades and Makayla Mills succumbed to Daria Kuczer and Eleonora Molinaro on Court 3, also with a 3-6 loss.
This marks only the tenth time throughout the 2023 season that Kentucky has dropped the doubles point.
Entering singles play with a one-point deficit, the Wildcats geared up for a fierce competition. Unfortunately, Tennessee managed to secure the three points necessary to clinch the victory and eliminate Kentucky from the tournament.
On Court 4, UK’s Molina fell to Molinaro in a decisive 2-6, 0-6 loss, extending the Vols’ lead to 2-0. Hoping to turn the tide for the Wildcats, Eades faced off against No. 46-ranked Kuczer on Court 3. Although Eades had secured the winning match for Kentucky against South Carolina just a day prior, she was unable to replicate her success, losing 3-6, 2-6. With a third singles victory on Court 5, Tennessee sealed their win, advancing to the semifinal round of play and ending Kentucky’s tournament run.
Despite their disappointment, the Wildcats will look to learn from this experience and come back stronger in future competitions.
Match Results
#15 Tennessee 4, #57 Kentucky 0
Doubles
1. #22 Carlota Molina/Elizabeth Stevens (UK) def. #40 Esther Adeshina/Rebeka Mertena (TENN) 6-4
2. Catherine Aulia/Lauren Anzalotta (TENN) def. Lidia Gonzalez/Maialen Morante (UK) 6-3
3. Daria Kuczer/Eleonora Molinaro (TENN) def. Ellie Eades/Makayla Mills (UK) 6-3
Singles
1. #26 Elza Tomase (TENN) vs. #42 Florence Urrutia (UK) 7-6 (7-2), 2-3, unfinished
2. #27 Rebeka Mertena (TENN) vs. #118 Elizabeth Stevens (UK) 6-3, 5-5, unfinished
3. #46 Daria Kuczer (TENN) def. Ellie Eades (UK) 6-3, 6-2
4. Eleonora Molinaro (TENN) def. Carlota Molina (UK) 6-2, 6-0
5. Lauren Anzalotta (TENN) def. Lidia Gonzalez (UK) 6-3, 6-3
6. Esther Adeshina (TENN) vs. Zoe Hammond (UK) 6-4, 5-4, unfinished
Order of finish: Doubles (1,2,3); Singles (4,3,5)