Oklahoma State Women's Tennis Eyes NCAA Elite Eight After Upsetting OU

Oklahoma State women's tennis returns to the NCAA Sweet 16 following a statement win against rival OU. With standout performances, strong team chemistry, and a packed home court advantage, the Cowgirls look to advance to the Elite Eight for the first time since last year’s injury-plagued exit.

 

Oklahoma State Women's Tennis Eyes NCAA Elite Eight After Upsetting OU

Stillwater, Okla. — For head coach Chris Young, this weekend feels like a second chance for the Oklahoma State women’s tennis program.

Coming off a dramatic upset over their Bedlam rival, sixth-seeded Oklahoma, the Cowgirls are set to host Stanford in the NCAA Championships Sweet 16 at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Greenwood Tennis Center.

 

The Cowgirls’ resurgence has been one of the season’s most compelling stories. After starting the year with just seven wins in their first 13 matches, OSU has gone on a remarkable 15-1 run, placing them one step away from the Elite Eight — a stage they narrowly missed last season.

“I feel like it’s a do-over from last year,” Young said. “We had this place packed in the round of 16, trying to reach the quarterfinals, but injuries held us back. To get another shot, especially with such a new team, is fitting for our program.”

Last year, OSU entered the Sweet 16 as the No. 1 overall seed, hosting Tennessee. In the midst of that high-stakes match, Lucia Peyre suffered a devastating knee injury. Though her teammates fought on, the Cowgirls ultimately fell short of their national title dreams.

The energy from that match left a lasting impression. For players like Anastasia Komar, OSU’s No. 2 singles competitor, the home crowd provides a powerful boost.

“It’s incredible to see how our place gets packed every time,” Komar said. “Our crowd supports us every time and it’s insane. We’ve built a bond over the season, and I believe it’s going to help us reach the Elite Eight.”

OSU had to rally from an early 2-0 deficit to defeat Oklahoma, a moment that may have defined the team’s resilience and chemistry. Sophomore Gracie Epps, a Norman native and Georgia transfer, credits the team’s unity.

 

“Everyone collected and got behind each other,” Epps said. “This weekend, I think we’re gonna take the same momentum and support each other.”

That chemistry took time to develop. With four new players joining in January and freshman Melisa Ercan arriving in late February due to her participation in the Australian Open, early-season struggles were inevitable.

“We knew it was going to be the middle of the season, and it was definitely worth the wait,” Young said. “That was a commitment she made with Tennis Australia — and a great experience for her.”

Ercan has since stepped into the No. 1 singles position, solidifying OSU’s lineup and propelling the team’s late-season surge.

“I think once the lineup settled, everyone could focus on their role,” Young said. “Komar has developed tremendously. Rose was named Big 12 Freshman of the Year. And the depth of our lineup has brought a lot of stability — which has been key.”

As the Cowgirls prepare for another packed house at Greenwood Tennis Center, one thing is clear — they’re not just looking for redemption, they’re aiming for a breakthrough.