Texas had been itching for the chance to face Texas Tech all spring since the Red Raiders eliminated them from the NCAA tournament last season.
And with Katie Poluta being honored on senior day in Austin, it was the perfect setting for the Longhorns to avenge last year’s defeat.
“There was a definite incentive to beat Texas Tech since we beat them twice in conference play last year,” Texas head coach Howard Joffe said. “Returning seven of our eight players from last year helped since it gave everyone a clear motive.”
The Longhorns didn’t let Texas Tech build any steam on Sunday, though, edging the Red Raiders in the doubles point. Petra Granic and Tijana Spasojevic lead the Longhorns to a fast start with a 6-3 victory against Kennedy Bridgforth and Lana Rush. Subsequently, Anna Turtati and Bianca Turati claimed their sixth consecutive victory, 6-4, against Nell Miller and Felicity Maltby.
Bojana Markovic then carried the energy from her thrilling victory on Friday which clinched a home win against TCU. Markovic defeated Kennedy Bridgforth in straight sets 6-2, 6-1, which continued to accelerate the Longhorns charge.
But above all, it was Poluta who led the way in perhaps final home match. The senior dominated Olivia Peet in straight sets 6-1, 6-1. With the win, Poluta added to arguably her best collegiate season by moving to an 11–1 record in dual match singles play.
“Today was a great day for Katie,” Joffe said. “The senior day festivities spurred her and she’s been playing excellent tennis so it was just another that kept her going.”
Granic, clinched the official victory against Miller 6-1, 6-4, in the third victory in straight sets for the Longhorns. But they wouldn’t stop there as they continued to unleash their singles depth in full force.
Anna Turati claimed another match in straight sets, overpowering Francisca Sella 6-3, 6-0. Anna has been nearly unstoppable in 2019, winning 12 matches in a row.
Fernanda Labraña also made it five straight victories in straight sets, dismantling Anto Stoica 6-4, 6-3. By then, Texas had built an insurmountable 6-0 lead despite falling short of closing out a sweep.
Holding a 6–0 conference record after Sunday’s win, the Longhorns face a difficult week ahead with three road matches to close out the regular season.
“The million dollar question was how would we respond after the TCU match,” Joffe said. “I was proud of how the team played since it showed we’re one of the best teams in the country when we’re playing at our best. Now, we just need to maintain this level.”
