Arkansas Wraps Up Play At ITA Kick-Off Weekend

MALIBU, Calif. – The Arkansas women’s tennis team wrapped up play at the ITA Kick-Off Weekend on Sunday, falling to UNLV 4-1 in Malibu, California.

“We have to be encouraged by both of the matches in the ITA Kick-Off,” head coach Michael Hegarty said. “We faced quality opposition, and the difference between victory and defeat was incredibly small both days. We look forward to making more progress in this early part of the season.”

The Razorbacks moved to 3-2 overall on the season, while the Rebels improved to 3-1.

Arkansas’ duo of sophomore Ana Oparenovic and junior Mia Jurasic opened doubles competition with a 6-2 win at No. 2. However, UNLV went on to earn victories at the No. 1 and 3 spots, clinching the doubles point and the early 1-0 advantage.

The Razorbacks started strong in singles, winning four first sets, but UNLV extended its lead to 2-0 with a straight sets victory at No. 3.

Arkansas freshman standout Natsuho Arakawa put the Razorbacks on the board and continued her winning ways, dispatching her opponent 6-3, 6-4 at No. 5. The victory marked Arakawa’s 10th straight dating back to the fall and improved her overall singles record to a team-best 13-3 with a 5-0 mark in dual match play.

UNLV then came through two tough three-setters at the No. 4 and 6 positions to earn the 4-1 overall match victory.

Up Next
Arkansas returns to action Sunday, Feb. 5, for its home opener against Oklahoma at Dills Indoor Tennis Center. First serve is set for noon.

For more information on Arkansas Women’s Tennis, follow @RazorbackWTEN on Twitter.