Lady'Back tennis ranked among top 15 by ITA

FAYETTEVILLE – After an incredible weekend for the University of Arkansas Lady Razorback tennis team, which exhibited them clinching at least a share of the program’s first ever Southeastern Conference Western Division crown, they stayed among the nation top 15 teams at No. 14 in Wednesday’s Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s rankings.

“As we get closer to the post season, it’s really important that the top of the lineup is strong,” said Arkansas head coach Michael Hegarty.

Juniors Aurelija Miseviciute (No. 1) and Ela Kaluder (No. 62) are on a tear in SEC play helping them surge in the ITA rankings. Miseviciute, who was ranked No. 1 in the preseason poll, has stood strong at No. 1 since Mar. 4 with an incredible 16-2 record in the spring. She has been a vital part in the Lady’Backs (13-6, 6-2 SEC) successful conference season with a 7-1 mark in SEC action while also winning nine of her last ten matches.

Kaluder, a native of Zagreb, Croatia, is peaking strongly during the conference season as well with a 7-1 mark displaying why she rocketed 60 spots in this week’s singles rankings from No. 122 to No. 62.

In doubles, the two powers come together as Miseviciute and Kaluder now find themselves in the top 25 this week at No. 24. They are currently 5-3 in conference play with a 10-6 overall mark, and eight of those wins coming on Court 1.

“Seeing Ray (Aurelija Miseviciute) and Ela (Kaluder) play so well is positive for our team,” Hegarty said. “This weekend we’ll need great play at ever court with two teams rolling like Ole Miss and Mississippi State.”

Fans will be able to see both of these talented student-athletes in action on Friday at 3 p.m. at the Billingsley Tennis Center versus No. 64 Ole Miss and Sunday at 12 p.m. against No. 68 Mississippi State.

Visit LADYBACKS.COM for up-to-date statistics and information regarding Lady’Back tennis.