Arkansas hosting Razorback Classic

FAYETTEVILLE – The University of Arkansas women’s tennis team will compete in their second tournament of the fall this weekend, as they will host the Razorback Classic at the Billingsley Tennis Center in Fayetteville, Ark. All six players on the Arkansas roster will compete in the event, and will face the University of Missouri, Houston, Tulsa, and Stephen F. Austin. 

“It’s always great to host the Razorback Classic,” head coach Michael Hegarty said. “It’s the fifth time we’ve hosted the event since I’ve been here. It’s always highly competitive, we have some good teams coming in, and our players are excited to play at our home court. We’ve typically played very well at home, so we’re expecting a good showing.” 

Arkansas will look to build on the success from their first fall tournament, the CCLR Invitational in Little Rock, Ark. Five players made their Razorback debuts at the tournament, with all earning their first singles wins at Arkansas. Four freshmen recorded their first collegiate win. Freshmen Ana Lorena Belmar Hernandez and Kimberley – Ann Surin, along with senior Claudine Paulson and sophomore transfer Sarah McLean anchored the squad with 2-1 records.  Freshman Yang Pang defeated Oklahoma’s 60th ranked Whitney Ritchie 6-2, 6-2 in an outstanding collegiate debut.

“The key thing we’re hoping for right now each time we compete is development,” Hegarty explained. “The fall season is all about improvement, development, and getting a lot of match play. We’ll be looking to take steps forward from the competition two weeks ago. Hopefully the work in between the two tournaments in practice will really pay off and get us some good results this weekend. So getting comfortable at home, getting some familiarity with competing at home is really valuable during the fall season. We’re excited to do it, and this young team is really going to benefit from it.”

The tournament will be held on Friday through Sunday, with the same format each day. Play will begin with doubles matches at 9 a.m. and singles will be at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. A live blog will be available during play at ArkansasRazorbacks.com. Admission to the tournament is free for all fans.