Freshmen shine at ITA Central Region Championships

SALT LAKE CITY – Two phenomenal freshmen from the University of Arkansas Razorback women’s tennis team, blasted through the qualifying round at the ITA Central Region Championships on Wednesday.

Emily Carbone shot down Laura Villegas of Montana State, 6-4, 6-2, punching her ticket to the main draw of the tournament after receiving a first-round bye.

Kate Lukomskaya claimed two matches on Wednesday to claim her spot in the main draw of singles which begins Thursday. First, Lukomskaya defeated Iowa State’s Maria Fernanda Macedo in straight-sets, 6-1, 6-0, before disposing Ella Carney of BYU, 6-1, 7-5.

“It was nice to get both of the freshmen through the qualifying today,” said Arkansas head coach Michael Hegarty. “Having all six players in the main draw is great, but now the challenge is getting them all through tomorrow’s (Thursday) action.”

Play tomorrow will begin with two rounds of doubles at 8 a.m. followed by one round of singles. All six Razorback athletes will be competing on Thursday including Aurelija Miseviciute, ranked No. 1 overall in singles.

For immediate results from Thursday action in Utah, visit ARKANSASRAZORBACKS.COM

-Kate Lukomskaya (UA) def. Maria Fernanda Macedo (ISU), 6-1, 6-0.

-Kate Lukomskaya (UA) def. Elle Carney (BYU), 6-1, 7-5.

-Emily Carbone (UA) def. Laura Villegas (MSU), 6-4, 6-2.