Arkansas finishes strong at Kansas State Invitational

MANHATTAN, Kansas – Juniors Ela Kaluder and Mayori Franco led the way again as Arkansas took six of seven singles matches on the final day of competition at the Kansas State Invitational.

Kaluder defeated Missouri’s Amanda Pratzel in straight sets, 6-2, 6-0, to set things in motion for the Lady Razorbacks on the first court. Franco followed with a 6-0, 6-4, victory over Erika Josbena on court two.

Previously in the tournament, Arkansas had taken the advantage over the Tigers in doubles giving the Lady’Backs’ the mock dual win over their regional rivals.

“This was a good finish to a weekend with a lot of tennis,” UA head coach Michael Hegarty said. “We came up here to get a lot of matches against regional opponents, and we performed extremely well.”

So well that Arkansas did not drop a single set in the five matches won against Missorui. Audrey Bordeleau claimed third singles with a 6-0, 6-1, result against Raquel Wagner. Nanar Airapetian downed Charlotte Bellis, 6-1, 6-4, at five and Melissa Hoffmeister won 6-4, 7-5 at six against Katelyn McKenzie.

Arkansas also picked up a pair of bonus singles wins. Carly Dixon picked up a bonus win at seven over Missouri’s Kaitlin Dunham, 6-1, 6-0, and Stacia Cozirscaia defeated Julie Westfall of Tulsa, 7-5, 6-3.