The Red River Rivalry is synonymous with competitiveness. When it comes to tennis, Texas has dominated with a 30-1 series record since 2003. Today was no different as the Longhorns cleaned the Sooners’ clock.
Oklahoma had been a surprise in the Big 12 thus far, winning three out of their last four matches. Texas had come off a thriller against Kansas and were looking to earn their third straight win in conference play. The team from Norman had won thirteen consecutive doubles points so it appeared the Sooners would easily take care of business given the Longhorns previous concerns in doubles.
Nevertheless, all bets are off during rivalries and the Longhorns cemented this adage pinching the doubles point away. Twins Anna and Bianca Turati beat Martina Capurro and Camila Romero, 6-2. Afterward, Tijana Spasojevic and Petra Granic won 6-3 by playing a smooth game that exhausted Ivana Corley and Jasmine Asghar.
“Winning the doubles point gave the team confidence throughout the match,” Texas head coach Howard Joffe said. “Winning the doubles point takes the pressure off and this acted as a boost in the match.”
The wind was a definitive factor that Texas would have to face for the rest of the matchup.
“The wind was swirling and it was quite unpredictable,” Joffe said. “It was very difficult to deal with.”
Despite the unfavorable conditions, the Longhorns persevered. Anna held strong starting singles play by logging back to back 6-0 victories against Martina Capurro. Anna has been stellar this spring, tallying nine in a row and posting an overall record of 10-2 in dual match singles play.
Oklahoma pulled within 1 after Ashgar’s upset in straight sets 6-4, 6-0. The loss was the first for Granic, snapping a six match win streak this spring.
Senior Katie Poluta answered in straight sets, toppling Corley 6-2, 6-2. Poluta improved to 8-1 and helped Texas inch closer towards another Red River success.
Bianca was on top of her game, knocking off Oleksandra Korashvil in straight sets 6-1, 6-3, which clinched the win for Texas. Bianca has prospered against nationally ranked competition, winning five times. Bianca has won four straight and is currently sitting at 8-4.
Fernanda Labraña added the fourth straight sets win sweeping Camila Romero, 6-1, 6-2. Labrana is the fourth player with eight or more wins at 9-4, which is a testament to the depth of this team. Bojana Markovic closed out the day with a comeback against Kianah Motosono 5-7, 6-3, 1-0.
“After the last victory against Kansas and this one, the team feels confident and assured,” Joffe said.
The Longhorns’ early spark in conference play has served them well as they stand at the top of the Big 12.
