Conference action begins this weekend in Alabama

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Defending their Southeastern Conference Western Division title, the 28th-ranked University of Arkansas Razorback women’s tennis team will begin conference play this weekend in Alabama.

The Hogs (5-2) will take on No. 37 Alabama at 2 p.m. Friday afternoon, and then head over to Auburn to face the Tigers Sunday at noon.

Arkansas was picked by the SEC coaches to win the Western Division once again this season, including one vote to claim the SEC Championship.

“We will do all we can to get better every match,” said Arkansas head coach Michael Hegarty. “Winning the Western Division last year was special and we want to get off to another good start this year if we hope to repeat.

The Crimson Tide are sporting a perfect record at 8-0, including an upset win over No. 21 TCU in their last match, 4-3. The win vaulted them 26 spots in the most recent rankings. Arkansas swept the Tide last season in Fayetteville, 7-0, winning all nine matches.

On Sunday, the Razorbacks will face-off against the Tigers (5-4), who are riding a four match win-streak after dropping four of their first five matches. Arkansas will seek revenge from a tight, 4-3, loss last season to Auburn in Fayetteville. The orange and blue are led by fifth-ranked Fani Chifchieva, No. 30 Alex Haney, and No. 72 Melissa Koning.

““It’s always great to begin conference play in the SEC, because no conference prepared a team for the postseason better than ours,” Hegarty said.

Be sure to visit ARKANSASRAZORBACKS.COM for results and information regarding each match.