A few thoughts to help document this.
The match last night. Wow. Where to start.
We actually played the best doubles we have in a while.
Daria and Alex went out quickly to the #5 nationally ranked duo (yes, crazy).
But V and Illinca played a gem of a match to win 6-4.
Court one was a very high level. I thought we had a chance in the breaker but UNC stepped up and we struggled to keep up.
Aggies down 0-1.
The team seemed to take the loss in stride. They knew we were close and could transition to singles. That mindset was critical as we went on to take four first sets.
Court 2 was the first to finish. I'm very glad this wasn't Mia's last match in an A&M uniform. She's meant so much to this program and struggled. Kajuru played lights out and a quick 6-2, 6-2 win for UNC.
Aggies down 0-2.
Court 1. Wow.
Lulu currently looks like a professional playing college tennis. Even Mary never put together a singles season like this. Absolutely incredible how she was toying with Reese for a 6-3, 6-1 win. Her year over year rise is what is making this amazing season possible. Hall of fame career. Let's hope we get two more matches from her this year and she comes back for one more.
Aggies down 1-2.
Court 3. This is what we all hoped for when Illinca was announced. Maybe her best match of the year, complete control beginning to end over a very good Tatum Evans. Great depth constantly and controlled aggression. Such an impressive win 6-3, 6-2
Aggies tied 2-2
Court 4. Lex came out firing and incredibly focused. She wins a great first set 6-4 and then gets a little tight and goes down 5-3 in the second. How does she respond? 4 straight games to take the second 7-5. Great W over Zampardo. Critical turning point and we are out in front for the first time.
Aggies up 3-2.
Feeling really good at this point as Daria splits on court 6 after losing the first and V has been comfortably ahead in the second after winning the first.
However, all-star recruit Anna Frey will not go away. She saves a match point in the second set, wins four straight games and takes the second set 7-5. Really tough period for V and the entire team.
Down to the last two courts and we need one.
Daria's match is moving a little faster. She's not at her best but is battling. Thea Rabman hits an absolutely beautiful backhand down the line on a deciding point which gave her the lead and the momentum. She wins 6-3, 4-6, 6-3.
Aggies tied 3-3. No room for error.
Court 5. Senior Violeta vs. freshman Anna Frey. Who blinks first?
This was an absolute battle.
First to V 7-5
Second to Anna 7-5
Every point in the 3rd is a battle. Every single point.
They are both cramping. Neither gives and inch.
Frey playing aggressive. V playing some of the best defense you will ever see.
One pulls ahead and the other responds.
All the way to the tiebreak. How else could this thing end other than 7-6 in the third?
Similar story here. V gets up early and Frey keeps battling back. If you only watch one point besides the deciding point, go find the point in the tie team where V is up 4-3 and serving.
Frey has her scrambling all over the court and somehow V stays alive along enough to hit a beautiful backhand winner down the line from a full sprint. That's when I knew she had it.
Frey battles back to 5-5 in the breaker before V takes the final two points and clinches one of the best matches in program history.
7-5, 5-7, 7-6 (7-5). Such incredible mental toughness. All heart.
For the third straight year, the Aggies are in the final four.
What a night!
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