Ema Kovacevic delivers the clincher as Terps secure first conference semifinal berth since 1998, set showdown with Michigan
COLUMBUS, Ohio | In a defining moment for the program, the No. 7-seeded Maryland Terrapins women's tennis pulled off a statement victory Friday, knocking off No. 2-seeded and No. 12-ranked USC Trojans women's tennis, 4-2, to advance to the Big Ten Tournament semifinals for the first time in program history.
The Terps (18-6) delivered under pressure, combining dominant doubles play with clutch singles performances to secure their highest-ranked win in more than a decade — a milestone not reached since a 2013 victory over No. 11 Duke.
At the center of the celebration was Ema Kovacevic, who sealed the match in emphatic fashion. After grinding out a tense first-set tiebreak (10-8), Kovacevic surged in the second set, closing it out 6-2 to send Maryland into the semifinals — and into a mob of celebrating teammates.
Maryland’s path to victory began with a commanding doubles performance. The duo of Diya Challa and Emma Ghirardato upset USC’s nationally ranked pair, while Tamari Gagoshidze and Kovacevic followed with a decisive 6-2 win to secure the early 1-0 advantage.

