No. 11 Women’s tennis to face No. 21 Alabama, Mississippi State on the road

No. 11 Auburn Women’s Tennis Prepares for Road Matchups Against No. 21 Alabama and Mississippi State

The Auburn University women’s tennis team is in the midst of an exciting and crucial stretch of their 2025 season. As the No. 11-ranked team in the country, the Tigers have proven to be a formidable force on the court. However, with the postseason just around the corner, every match becomes a potential springboard for their hopes of a deep run in the NCAA tournament. This upcoming road trip is set to be a pivotal one for Auburn, as they face two of the toughest teams in the Southeastern Conference (SEC)—No. 21 Alabama and Mississippi State.

For Auburn’s head coach, Lauren Stokke, this is an opportunity to not only solidify their position within the national rankings but also to continue to build momentum for the end of the season. This set of matchups is significant for a variety of reasons—both in terms of the team’s aspirations for seeding in the NCAA tournament and in strengthening their standing within the competitive SEC.

The Stakes: Road Challenges Ahead

Auburn’s women’s tennis team enters this road trip with a solid record and a well-established reputation as one of the top teams in the country. However, road games in the SEC are never easy, and facing two teams ranked in the top 25 is a tough test for any squad.

No. 21 Alabama: A Fierce Rivalry

The first match of the road trip will take place in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where Auburn will square off against its longstanding rival, the No. 21-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide. The rivalry between Auburn and Alabama in tennis has always been intense, with both programs consistently ranking among the best in the SEC. Alabama has been one of the top teams in the conference for years, and despite the high ranking of Auburn, the rivalry factor always adds an extra layer of intensity to the matchup.

Alabama’s women’s tennis program has experienced a resurgence in recent years under the leadership of head coach Jenny Mainz. The Crimson Tide boasts a mix of seasoned players and younger talent, making them a dangerous opponent. Their aggressive and strategic style of play, particularly at home, will provide a challenge for Auburn. While Alabama’s singles lineup has been a particular strength, it is their doubles teams that have made a significant impact this season, winning crucial matches in key moments.

Auburn will need to focus on countering Alabama’s strong doubles play and ensure that their singles players can execute under pressure. Auburn’s star players, such as senior standout Caroline Turnbull and the talented freshman duo of Sophie Abrams and Olivia Vavulina, will need to step up their performances on the road. Turnbull has been the backbone of Auburn’s singles lineup, but facing Alabama on their home turf will require all players to deliver their best tennis.

“Alabama has been playing great tennis this year, and we know they’ll be ready to challenge us,” said Stokke. “We need to be prepared to bring our best tennis, especially in doubles. It’s always a tough environment to play in Tuscaloosa, but we’re ready for the challenge. This is an opportunity to prove ourselves on the road.”

Auburn’s ability to play as a team and maintain focus in high-pressure moments will be essential in overcoming Alabama’s tough home-court advantage. The Crimson Tide’s ability to win big points in high-pressure situations could be the deciding factor, and Auburn must ensure they are prepared to counter that mental toughness.

Mississippi State: A Different Challenge

The second match on the road trip will take Auburn to Starkville, Mississippi, to face the Mississippi State Bulldogs. The Bulldogs are another formidable SEC opponent, having had a strong season in their own right. Ranked just outside the top 25 for much of the season, Mississippi State has earned respect for its consistency and balanced approach. The Bulldogs have had a solid record against ranked opponents and are always tough to beat at home. Their tenacity and relentless style of play make them a dangerous opponent, one that is not to be overlooked.

Mississippi State has a deep roster, with strong players across the board, including one of the top doubles teams in the country. The Bulldogs’ aggressive style of play, particularly their net game, has been a hallmark of their success. Auburn will need to focus on staying patient during rallies and dictating the pace of the match, especially in singles, where Mississippi State thrives when it can impose its rhythm.

One player to watch for Mississippi State is senior captain, Victoria Mancebo, who has had an excellent season at the No. 1 singles spot. Mancebo’s experience and leadership have been critical for the Bulldogs, and her ability to dictate points from the baseline will be something Auburn must neutralize. However, it’s not just Mancebo that Auburn will need to worry about. Mississippi State has solid depth in both singles and doubles, with a few players who can compete at the highest level.

For Auburn, the key to success against Mississippi State will be consistency. They will need to find ways to win crucial games in both singles and doubles, using their powerful groundstrokes and ability to create offensive opportunities.

“We have a lot of respect for Mississippi State,” said Stokke. “They’re a very disciplined and well-coached team. This is going to be another tough road challenge, but I believe our team is ready. We’ve been focusing on improving our consistency and executing under pressure, and that’s what we’ll need to do in Starkville.”

Auburn’s Strengths: Key Players and Strategies

As Auburn prepares for these tough road tests, it is important to reflect on the team’s strengths. The Tigers have been one of the top teams in the country all season for good reason—they have a talented roster, a winning culture, and a coach who understands how to get the best out of her players. Auburn’s depth, both in singles and doubles, makes them a dangerous opponent for any team in the SEC.

Caroline Turnbull: Leading the Charge

One of Auburn’s biggest assets is senior Caroline Turnbull. She has been the anchor of the team’s singles lineup for years, consistently winning matches and providing stability in both team competitions and individual play. Turnbull’s combination of power and finesse makes her one of the top players in the SEC, and her experience in big matches will be critical as Auburn heads into the final stretch of the regular season and into the NCAA tournament.

Doubles Dominance: The Key to Success

Auburn’s doubles play has been one of the team’s most consistent strengths this season. The doubles point is always pivotal in any match, and Auburn has excelled in this aspect of the game. With a doubles lineup that features players like Olivia Vavulina and Sophie Abrams, Auburn has been able to consistently earn early leads in matches. The ability to win the doubles point is essential on the road, where the team may be playing in hostile environments. Auburn will need to maintain its composure and execution in doubles to get off to a strong start in both of these road contests.

The Depth of Auburn’s Roster

Auburn’s roster is stacked with talent from top to bottom, and that depth is one of the keys to their success. Players like freshman Olivia Vavulina and sophomore Sophie Abrams have shown flashes of brilliance, making significant contributions to the team’s success this season. Their energy and ability to rise to the occasion in pressure-filled moments make them crucial players for Auburn’s push for a top seed in the NCAA tournament.

Additionally, players like Julia Amsalem and Emily Rees provide essential depth, giving Auburn the flexibility to adjust its lineup when needed. Having such a well-rounded team allows Auburn to compete with the best and gives them a significant advantage in key moments of matches.

Road Challenges and Tournament Preparation

While this road trip is important for ranking purposes and the team’s momentum, it is also an opportunity for Auburn to continue sharpening its skills ahead of the SEC and NCAA tournaments. The level of competition in the SEC is among the best in the nation, and games like these will test Auburn’s resolve and readiness for the postseason.

Auburn has the opportunity to prove itself on the road against two quality opponents, and these matches will be an important barometer for where the team stands as they prepare for the NCAA tournament. Regardless of the outcome of these matches, Auburn will be looking to fine-tune its game, build its mental toughness, and continue growing as a team.