Catherine Aulia, ranked No. 81, made history by clinching the first-ever ITA Sectionals singles championship, defeating Georgia's No. 75 Guillermina Grant with a score of 6-2, 6-3. Aulia's victory marks her sixth consecutive win, showcasing her exceptional performance throughout the tournament. Head coach Alison Ojeda praised Aulia's dedication and expressed excitement for her upcoming NCAA singles competition, where she aims to continue her success alongside teammate Elza Tomase. The tournament's new format follows the NCAA Individual Championships' schedule change, allowing Aulia and Tomase a chance to compete in both singles and doubles next week.

By the Numbers
  • Aulia accounted for 55 of the total 89 points in the championship match (62 percent).
  • She achieved an impressive 82 percent serving accuracy, making 37 out of 45 serves.
  • Aulia won 75 percent of her break points, converting six out of eight opportunities.
Yes, But

While Aulia's performance has been stellar, the transition to the new tournament format raised concerns among some athletes about the adjustment period required for peak performance. This introduces an element of unpredictability for competitors used to the traditional spring schedule.

State of Play
  • Aulia holds a 14-3 record in singles for the fall season, highlighting her strong performance leading into the NCAA Championships.
  • The duo of Aulia and Tomase has a solid 9-3 record in doubles, indicating a promising partnership ahead.
What's Next

Aulia and Tomase will represent Tennessee in the NCAA Individual Championships from Nov. 19-23 in Waco, Texas. Their goal will be to leverage their recent successes and strong records to compete against top players nationally.

Bottom Line

Aulia's historic championship victory not only solidifies her status as a rising star in women’s tennis but also sets an optimistic tone for the upcoming NCAA Championships, where she aims to build on her success and confidence.