Oklahoma Women’s Tennis Powers Past Texas, Advances to ITA Indoors Quarterfinals
URBANA, Ill. – The No. 6 Oklahoma Sooners (8-0) continued their impressive start to the 2026 season, securing a hard-fought 4-3 victory over No. 18 Texas (2-2) in the second round of the ITA National Team Indoor Championships on Friday. The win propels Oklahoma to the quarterfinals, marking their fourth appearance at this stage of the tournament since 2022.
Doubles Dominance Sets the Tone
The Sooners seized early control by claiming the doubles point. Despite a loss on court one from Roisin Gilheany and Evialina Laskevich, Oklahoma responded strongly. Laura Brunkel and Oyinlomo Quadre secured a 6-2 win on court three, leveling the score. The decisive point came from Julia Garcia Ruiz and Salakthip Ounmuang, who clinched the advantage with a 6-2 victory on court two, improving their spring record to a perfect 6-0 as a pairing.
Freshman Spark and Texas Response
Momentum continued to favor Oklahoma as freshman Edda Mamedova delivered a dominant performance on court four, sweeping Eszter Meri 6-0, 6-0. However, Texas quickly mounted a comeback, winning three consecutive singles matches. No. 2 Carmen Herea defeated Evialina Laskevich, while Anastasia Abbagnato bested Julia Garcia Ruiz. Christasha McNeil added to the Longhorns’ tally with a win over Chloé Noël.
Sooner Resilience Clinches Victory
Facing elimination, Oklahoma showcased remarkable resilience. Salakthip Ounmuang battled back from a set down to defeat Ariana Anazagasty-Pursoo in a thrilling three-set match, tying the score at 3-3. All eyes then turned to court six, where Laura Brunkel completed a remarkable rally, overcoming Elizabeth Ionescu 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 to secure the match-clinching point for the Sooners.
Quarterfinal Clash Awaits
Oklahoma will now face a challenging quarterfinal matchup against No. 2 Texas A&. M on Saturday, Feb. 7, at 12 p.m. CT. The Sooners will gaze to continue their winning streak and advance further in the prestigious ITA National Team Indoor Championships.
Match Results
#6 Oklahoma 4, #18 Texas 3
Singles
- #2 Carmen Herea (TEX) def. Evialina Laskevich (OU) 0-6, 6-4, 6-3
- #63 Anastasia Abbagnato (TEX) def. #12 Julia Garcia Ruiz (OU) 6-4, 6-2
- Christasha McNeil (TEX) def. #123 Chloé Noël (OU) 2-6, 6-1, 6-4
- Edda Mamedova (OU) def. Eszther Meri (TEX) 6-0, 6-0
- Salakthip Ounmuang (OU) def. Ariana Anazagasty-Pursoo (TEX) 7-6 (5), 3-6, 6-0
- Laura Brunkel (OU) def. Elizabeth Ionescu (TEX) 3-6, 6-3, 6-4
Doubles
- #34 Anastasia Abbagnato/Ariana Anazagasty-Pursoo (TEX) def. Roisin Gilheany/Evialina Laskevich (OU) 6-2
- Julia Garcia Ruiz/Salakthip Ounmuang (OU) def. Christasha McNeil/Salma Drugdova (TEX) 6-2
- Laura Brunkel/Oyinlomo Quadre (OU) def. Carmen Herea/Elizabeth Ionescu (TEX) 6-2
Order of finish: Doubles (1,3,2); Singles (4,2,3,1,5,6)
FAQ
Q: Where is the ITA National Team Indoor Championships being held?
A: The tournament is being held at the Atkins Tennis Center in Urbana, Illinois.
Q: What is Oklahoma’s record this season?
A: The Sooners are currently 8-0 on the season.
Q: Who will Oklahoma play in the quarterfinals?
A: Oklahoma will face No. 2 Texas A&M in the quarterfinals.
Q: Has Oklahoma had success at this tournament before?
A: Yes, this is Oklahoma’s fourth appearance at the ITA National Team Indoors, and they were runners-up in 2022.
Pro Tip: Staying mentally tough in three-set matches is crucial for success in college tennis. Oklahoma’s ability to rally and win those pivotal points was a key factor in their victory over Texas.
What did you think of Oklahoma’s performance? Share your thoughts in the comments below!