Lady'Back trio to Riviera All-American

FAYETTEVILLE – After a successful weekend at the Missouri Collegiate Classic, seniors No. 53 Vlatka Jovanovic Karina Ledaja and sophomore Maryori Franco travel to Los Angeles, Calif. for qualifying action at the Riviera All-American Championships on Friday, Sept. 30. The tournament dates back to 1983 when the Southeastern Conference’s own Lisa Spain of Georgia took home the inaugural title. The competition is the first of three national events, followed by the ITA National Intercollegiate Indoor Championship hosted by Ohio State in November and concluding with the NCAA Championship hosted by Stanford in May 2006. Ledaja enters pre-qualifying play an undefeated 8-0 that included three singles match wins over Missouri, Iowa State and Kansas State. Franco enters 11-3 after two fall tournaments that included a 6-1 outing in Missouri last weekend. Jovanovic is scheduled to compete at the national tournament, but not until Monday when main draw qualifying begins. “It’s exciting to see three of our players represented at the Riveiera All-American,” said head coach Michael Hegarty. “There is the opportunity to learn a lot this weekend and we will make the most of it.” For more information on Arkansas Tennis or any other Lady’Back athletics, please visit LADYBACKS.com.