Arkansas freshmen get wins to open at Billikan

ST. LOUIS – Arkansas freshman started their Lady Razorback tennis careers with victories at the opening round of the Billikan Invitational at Dwight Davis Tennis Center in Forest Park.

Carly Dixon and Melissa Hoffmeister registered straight set victories in their first-ever matches for the Lady Razorbacks, advancing to the semifinals of their respective flights.

“It’s nice to see freshmen start with such encouraging results,” UA women’s tennis coach Michael Hegarty said. “This was a good day, and a great way for them to start their careers.”

Dixon defeated host St. Louis Billikan Ana Renda, 6-0, 6-2, in the second flight, while Hoffmeister blitzed Carrie Larson of Eastern Illinois, 6-1, 6-1, in the third flight.

Arkansas’ only defeat in singles came in the top flight as sophomore Rachel Wilhelm lost to Amanda Pretzel of Missouri, 6-1, 6-1.

In doubles, Dixon and Wilhelm downed the EIU team of Natalie Martin and Colleen Sims, 8-3, before losing in the second round to Missouri’s McKenzie and Wagner, 8-4.

Play continues Saturday with Wilhelm facing Katri Miller of Illinois State in the first flight consolation bracket. Dixon takes on Chrissy Svetlic of Missouri in the B flight semifinals and Hoffmeister faces Raquel Wagner also of Missouri in the C flight semis.

2006 Billikan Invitational

Friday, September 8, 2006

Dwight Davis Tennis Center

Doubles

Carly Dixon/Rachel Wilhelm (ARK) def. Natalie Martin/Colleen Sims (EIU), 8-3

McKenzie/Wagner (MU) def. Dixon/Wilhelm, 8-4

A Flight Singles

Amanda Pretzel (MU) def. Rachel Wilhelm (ARK), 6-1, 6-1

B Flight Singles

Carly Dixon (ARK) def. Ana Renda (SLU), 6-0, 6-2

C Flight Singles

Melissa Hoffmeister (ARK) def. Carrie Larson (EIU), 6-1, 6-1