Fact Sheet 8

After opening Southeastern Conference play over the weekend at the Billingsley Tennis Center, the Lady Razorbacks will hit the road for two road matches against Vanderbilt (Friday) and Kentucky (Sunday). Number 20 Vanderbilt is currently 7-2, while No. 15 Kentucky is 10-2.

The Arkansas Lady’Back tennis team finished 1-1 in the past week against SEC opponents. On Friday, the Lady’Backs dropped a 4-3 decision to No. 29 Auburn, a match that came down to a tiebreaker on the last court between Maryori Franco and Whitney Chappell. Sunday, Arkansas completely dominated Alabama 7-0, including winning all nine matches against the Tide. All results can be found on Page 5.

Here is what Arkansas head coach Michael Hegarty had to say about his team’s performance against SEC West opponents Auburn and Alabama:

"Give tons of credit for the way they Auburn performed on Friday, Maryori gave it all she had in a fantastic effort. Sunday, the whole group responded well which supplied the shutout."

The Lady’Backs earned their fifth consecutive doubles point on Sunday against Alabama. On Court 1 No. 23 Aurelija Miseviciute and Ela Kaluder won, 8-2. On Court 2 59th-ranked Maryori Franco and Nanar Airapetian claimed a victory, 8-3, while the clincher came from No. 59 Audrey Bordeleau and Anouk Tigu on Court 3, 8-3. Arkansas is 25-10 overall in doubles.

Senior Audrey Bordeleau is currently leading the team in wins with a 21-2 overall record in singles and doubles. In singles, she is 11-1, and a perfect 7-0 on Court 6. In doubles she is 10-1, with a 9-1 record with teammate Anouk Tigu.

Arkansas was able to put up zeros across the board against Alabama on Sunday. Not only did the relentless Lady’Backs win 7-0, but they also claimed all nine matches in the win against the SEC Western Division opponent. Number 1 ranked Aurelija Miseviciute clinched the match, 6-3, 6-1, against Tiffany Welcher on Court 1.

After starting 1-1 in the SEC, Arkansas will travel to Nashville, Tenn. to face Vanderbilt on Friday. The Commodores are currently 0-2 in the SEC, but are ranked 20th by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association. In singles, Vanderbilt features No. 29 Amanda Taylor, No. 43 Catherine Newman, and No. 48 Courtney Ulery. In doubles, Newman and Taka Bertrand sport a 33rd overall ranking.

After Friday’s match with Vanderbilt, the Lady’Backs will then head to Lexington, Ky. to face Kentucky on Sunday. The Lady Wildcats are presently 1-1 in conference play while also being ranked No. 15 as a team. In singles action for Kentucky, Sarah Woestmann is ranked 79th while Megan Broderick is No. 95.