10-0 Lady'Backs open SEC season Friday

FAYETTEVILLE—After the best start in Lady Razorback tennis history, the 10-0 University of Arkansas women’s tennis team is prepped and ready to open Southeastern Conference competition by hosting the University of South Carolina Gamecocks Friday, March 4th, at the UA Tennis Complex at 2:00 p.m.

The current undefeated record not only serves as the best start to a season in Lady Razorback history, but also marks the all-time longest winning streak. To get to the record, the Lady’Backs upset two higher ranked teams, including a 7-0 shutout over the 46th ranked SMU Mustangs just two weeks prior. The shutout is the most recent of six blankings posted by the Lady’Backs this season, the most since a 1998-99 season that saw seven shutouts.

Arkansas also moved up in the national rankings this week. The Lady Razorbacks jumped four places to 50th in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s weekly poll, the highest ranking since March 2003.

The 5-0 Gamecocks are coming off a four-match home winning streak that most recently included a 6-1 victory over unranked Winthrop University.

“We are looking forward to hosting a great program this weekend,” said head coach Michael Hegarty. “The SEC season is always very competitive. This year is no exception, and we are looking forward to it.”

The Lady’Backs are led this weekend by the 65th ranked singles player in the country, Maryori Franco. The Barranquilla, Colombia native’s ranking jumped 53 places on February 22 after posting a 9-1 record thus far. Also riding high for Arkansas is junior transfer Karina Ledaja. Ledaja is an undefeated 9-0 in singles this spring, and clinched Arkansas’ win against Tulsa with a three-set grudge fest over Santie Delport, 6-4, 6-7 (3), 7-5.

South Carolina is led by sophomore Laura Ganzer. Ganzer is 5-0 this spring while playing four of those five match on court two.

After the match against South Carolina, the Lady Razorbacks host the second ranked Florida Gators on Sunday at noon. Live scoring is available for both match under the stats section of the Lady’Back homepage. The weather at match time will determine indoor or outdoor play. For more information, please visit www.ladybacks.com.