The Auburn women's tennis team showcased resilience and skill during the ITA Kickoff Weekend. Auburn, ranked No. 13, defeated No. 11 USC 4-2 in the regional championship final on January 25th at the David X. Marks Tennis Stadium in Los Angeles, California. This impressive victory secured the Tigers' spot in the ITA National Team Indoor Championship for the fourth consecutive season!
Beginning the day, Auburn faced a challenge, as the Trojans struck first, seizing the doubles point with dominant performances. USC's No. 7-ranked doubles team, Grace Piper and Lily Fairclough, defeated Auburn's No. 16-ranked pair of Ava Hrastar and DJ Bennett 6-1, while Emma Charney and Parker Fry secured a 6-2 win over Auburn's Ava Esposito and Maria Garcia.
Auburn responded in singles play, showing their impressive skill with dominating performances. No. 2 DJ Bennett finished with a strong 6-3, 6-2 victory over USC's No. 37 Grace Piper, leveling the match standings. Auburn's No. 110 Angella Okutoyi followed with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Lily Fairclough, while No. 22 Merna Refaat triumphed over Immi Haddad 6-2, 6-4 on court four, giving Auburn a 3-1 lead.
Despite Auburn's momentum, USC's Jana Hossam won a three-set battle over Ava Esposito, 6-2, 3-6, 6-4. However, Auburn's Alice Battesti sealed her match against Parker Fry, tiebreaker 7-5, followed by a 6-4 set, securing the Tigers' 4-2 victory and their place in the ITA National Team Indoor Championships.
With each outstanding victory, Auburn women's tennis remains undefeated in the season, 6-0, showing their reputation as a powerhouse in collegiate tennis. The team now focuses on the ITA National Team Indoor Championships, scheduled for February 7th to the 11th.
