Freshman pair advances to doubles semifinals

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The freshman tandem of Annemijn Koenen and Claudine Paulson picked up victories in the first two rounds to advance to the doubles semifinals Friday on the first day of the Wichita State Fall Classic in Wichita, Kan.

Adriana Nieto added a singles victory to complete a strong day of competition for the Arkansas women’s tennis team.

"I am really proud of the efforts of everyone today," Razorback head coach Michael Hegarty said. "For four players beginning their careers this was an excellent way to start. We will be looking to taking another step forward tomorrow."

The duo of Koenen and Paulson started off the morning with an 8-3 win over Kansas State’s Antea Huljuv and Nina Sertic, followed by an 8-6 defeat of Brittany Parks and Teona Tsertsvadze from Oklahoma. Koenen and Paulson will face Wichita State’s Stephanie Dalmacio and Lutfiana Budiharto at 9 a.m. Central Time on Saturday for a spot in Sunday’s final.

Lindsey Gray and Nieto lost to the Arkansas State pair of Jenny Herring and Rone Van Wyk to wrap up Friday’s doubles play for the Razorbacks.

In singles action, Nieto picked up her first win with a straight-set victory 6-0, 6-0 over Tina Ojdanci of Arkansas State. Gray fell to Wichita State’s Lily Wakim 6-3, 7-5 while Koenen battled the first set to a tiebreak but lost to Dalmacio 7-6(5), 6-2. Paulson suffered a 6-7(7), 6-4, 6-2 defeat at the hands of Oklahoma State’s Nataliya Shatkovskaya.

Action continues Saturday at the Coleman Tennis Complex where the doubles semifinals are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. before singles play begins quarterfinals at 10 a.m. with the Flight A/B main draw.

For live stats and immediate results following Saturday’s action, stay posted to ArkansasRazorbacks.com.