Hogs see highest ranking since 2008

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Razorback women’s tennis team rose to No. 13 in the nation, according to the ITA on Tuesday, which is their highest national ranking of the season. The Hogs, who are coming off a weekend sweep of Mississippi State and Ole Miss, not only reached their highest of the season, but also attained their best ranking as a team since the 2008 season.

“We’re making solid and steady progress throughout this spring season,” said Arkansas head coach Michael Hegarty. “It’s all with the goal of playing our best tennis in April and May.”

Along with the team’s national ranking, senior Anouk Tigu rose one spot in the singles rankings to No. 22. Tigu has had a banner senior year so far this season, compiling an 18-7 overall record and an 8-4 dual record. All season-long, Tigu has never dipped below the Top-30 in singles. Last weekend, Tigu earned two wins to add to her record which included a straight set victory over Mississippi State’s Alexandra Perper in straight sets, 6-3, 6-1.

With Tigu, sophomore Claudine Paulson make up the top Hogs doubles team that continues to be ranked in the Top-30, as they are now No. 26 in the nation. This season, Tigu and Paulson have racked up an impressive 19-7 record overall and are 12-4 in dual-play. Those records are good for tops on the team. Last weekend against the Rebels and Bulldogs, the tandem also went undefeated in both of their match including an 8-5 win over Kristi Boxx and Abby Guthrie of Ole Miss.

The women’s tennis team will hold their new ranking throughout the week, but will not get to put it to the test until next weekend when they face Tennessee on March 25 at the Billingsley Tennis Center and then travel to Athens, Ga. to take on the Lady Bulldogs of Georgia that Sunday. Both matches are set to begin at noon. Live stats and the live blog will be available for the match against the Lady Vols and complete game recaps can be found after each match on ArkansasRazorbacks.com.