Tennessee tennis lost its third consecutive match, dropping to 0-3 in SEC play with a 4-2 loss to Oklahoma.
The No. 18 Vols (9-5, 0-3 SEC) have struggled with finding its identity and keeping consistent as they drop another crucial match to the No. 26 Sooners (9-2, 2-0).
Here’s how the Vols’ road trip to Norman, Oklahoma went.
Crushing defeat in doubles
The Vols were unable to get going once again in doubles, this time getting decimated by the Sooners. This has been a recurring theme this season as Tennessee has lost two of their last three doubles points and four of their six against ranked opponents.
This time, Tennessee didn’t even put up a fight. Despite its focus on doubles this season, nothing has clicked yet. No. 26 Alex Kotzen and Alejandro Moreno have been the best doubles pair of the year for the Vols, as they battled and took a 4-3 lead when the point was called.
Despite the tough fight on Court 1, the other two courts couldn’t back them up. James Newton and Jan Kobierski were embarrassed on Court 3, losing 6-1 in a match that was summed up by the scoreboard. Shunsuke Mitsui and Alan Jesudason followed closely behind to seal the point, falling 6-1 as well.
Strong first set
After losing the doubles point, the Vols found themselves in a familiar position, fighting an uphill battle. Despite the momentum against them, the Vols managed to fight back in the first set of singles.
Kotzen and Mitsui were by far the two most impressive, winning their first sets of the night 6-2 and 6-1 to give Tennessee the energy it needed. Jose Garcia also managed to pull off a win in his first set, winning, 6-4.
The remining three for Tennessee lost the opening set, but each was able to put up a fight. Kobierski and Ian Cruz both lost 6-4 and Moreno also fell in the first set 6-3
Mitsui and Kotzen impress
Despite the loss, Mitsui and Kotzen did their part to help push for a win. Both won straight sets to initially put Tennessee up 2-1 on the Sooners. Mitsui secured the first point of the night for the Vols, shutting down his opponent, 6-1, in straight sets.
Kotzen shortly followed that up with a victory of his own. He decimated No. 123 Oscar Lacides He also won straight sets 6-2, tallying another point for Tennessee.
Wheels fall off late
Despite the initial push, the Vols were unable to continue the fight in the second set. Aside from Mitsui and Kotzen, Tennessee lost the other four second sets to seal it.
Garcia and Moreno were able to keep it close, both losing, 6-4, in sets they needed to win. Kobierski and Cruz fell 6-2, 6-0 to seal the win for Oklahoma.
Up next
The Vols are on a three-match skid and will head to Fayetteville, Arkansas on Sunday to take on Arkansas. The No. 39 Razorbacks will certainly pose a challenge for Tennessee as it looks to get back in the win column.
