Lady'Backs selected first in preseason coaches' poll

FAYETTEVILLE – The University of Arkansas Lady Razorback tennis team was picked to run the table in the Southeastern Conference’s Western Division in the coaches’ spring preseason poll released Wednesday.

“Our fall season contained many positives and us being picked as the top team in the West is a reflection of that,” said Lady’Back head tennis coach Michael Hegarty. “Hopefully we can keep that momentum going and have a successful spring.”

The Lady’Backs, who finished the 2007 season at 3rd in the SEC West, are currently ranked No. 53 in the nation by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association, and presently feature the nation’s No. 1 ranked women’s tennis player, junior Aurelija Miseviciute. Arkansas also features the ITA’s No. 12 ranked doubles team, Misevicute and junior Ela Kaluder, and the No. 45 duo, senior Maryori Franco and junior Nanar Airapetian, respectively.

Following Arkansas in the Western Division picks was LSU voted number two, followed by Auburn in third, and Ole Miss at the fourth slot. Alabama was picked fifth with Mississippi State rounding out the Western Division at number six.

The Lady’Backs will open the spring season Jan. 19, at Brigham Young. For more information about Arkansas women’s tennis please log on to LADYBACKS.COM.

2008 Southeastern Conference Women’s Tennis Coaches Preseason Poll

Eastern Division Poll

Florida 67Georgia 59Vanderbilt 46South Carolina36Tennessee 29Kentucky 15

Western Division

Poll

Arkansas 65LSU 58Auburn 56Ole Miss 29Alabama 25Mississippi State 19Overall Regular Season Champion: Florida (8 votes); Georgia (2); Vanderbilt (2)