KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The 2024 fall season is slated to begin with three members of the Tennessee women’s tennis team competing at the ITA Women’s All-American Championships in Cary, N.C., at Cary Tennis Park from Sept. 21-29.

Senior Elza Tomase and junior Catherine Aulia secured spots in the qualifying singles draw, while junior Leyla Britez Risso received a bid for the pre-qualifying singles competition. Tomase is also a singles alternative for the main draw.

In doubles, the pair of Tomase and Aulia are listed in the qualifying draw, but are also the next duo in line as an alternate pair for the main draw competition.

The tournament is scheduled to start on Saturday, Sept. 21, with pre-qualifying singles and doubles rounds. Qualifying matches will take place on Monday, Sept. 23, and Tuesday, Sept. 24. Main Draw competition will commence on Wednesday, Sept. 25, and run through Sunday, Sept. 29.

Lady Vols in the Rankings:

Singles

No. 62 Elza Tomase

No. 81 Catherine Aulia

Doubles

No. 23 Catherine Aulia & Elza Tomase

No. 79 Leyla Britez Risso & Vanesa Suarez

Player Previews:

Elza Tomase – Senior 

Tomase is the lone senior on the Tennessee squad in 2024-25. After earning ITA All-American doubles honors and playing a critical role in Tennessee’s historic run to the 2024 NCAA Final Four, she is positioned to be a crucial leader and again make a significant impact this year. Last season, the Liepaja, Latvia, native notched 21 singles wins and 17 doubles victories. Throughout her career, Tomase has totaled 72 singles wins and 52 doubles victories. 

Catherine Aulia – Junior 

The Rosebery, Australia, native has thrived each year since coming to Tennessee. Last season, Aulia earned second-team All-SEC honors and led the team in both singles and doubles victories. She wrapped up her sophomore campaign with 23 singles wins and 22 doubles triumphs. For her career, Aulia has accumulated 33 wins in both singles and doubles during her time on Rocky Top.

Leyla Britez Risso – Junior

Britez Risso enters her third year with the Lady Vols after playing in 19 matches during the 2023-24 season. Last year, she played a crucial role in several key moments, including clinching the SEC semifinal match with a 4-3 victory against Auburn. The Asunción, Paraguay, native finished her sophomore season with an impressive 8-0 ledger in doubles. Over her career, she has accumulated 13 singles wins and 10 doubles victories.

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