Razorbacks earn road win over Bulldogs

STARKVILLE, Miss. - The No. 51 University of Arkansas women's tennis team continued a road trip Friday, defeating Mississippi State 4-0. The Razorbacks improved to 9-10 (2-5 SEC), while Mississippi State dropped to 6-9 (0-7 SEC). Playing indoors at McCarthy Gymnasium due to incliment weather, the Razorbacks started the match in singles, and rattled off four straight victories.

"I'm really proud of the team for handling the difficult conditions so well today," Arkansas head coach Michael Hegarty said. "We definitely took a step forward today, and hopefully this momentum carries over to Sunday."

The first to win was senior Claudine Paulson, who's recent stellar play has seen her ascend to No. 93 in the nation. Paulson extended her winning streak to a perfect 7-0 in SEC play, and improved to 15-2 overall with a straight sets win over Alexandra Perper, 6-4, 6-4.

At No. 1 singles, No. 68 Yang Pang battled to earn a three set win over Georgiana Patrasc. The freshman won 6-3, 1-6, 6-2. 

Sarah McLean extended the Razorback to 3-0, cruising to a victory in straight sets. McLean dispatched of Naomi Tran 6-3, 6-3.

Playing at No. 4 singles, freshman Kimberley - Ann Surin won in straight sets to clinch the victory for the Razorbacks. Surin defeated Petra to give Arkansas their thrid straight victory on the road trip.

With the match clinched, all further matches were suspended. At the time, Brittany Huxley was leading 4-1 in the first set of her singles match. No. 6 singles and doubles were not contested. 

Arkansas finishes their road trip in Oxford, Miss. on Sunday. First serve is at 1 p.m. 

Complete Singles Results

1. No. 68 Yang Pang (ARK) def. Georgina Patrasc (MSU) 6-3, 1-6, 6-2

2. No. 93 Claudine Paulson (ARK) def. Alexandra Perper (MSU) 6-4, 6-4

3. Sarah McLean (ARK) def. Naomi Tran (MSU) 6-3, 6-3

4. Kimberley - Ann Surin (ARK) def. Petra Ferancova (MSU) 6-1, 6-2

5. Brittany Huxley (ARK) - Roseline Dion (MSU) 4-1, unfinished

6. Not played

Doubles

Not played