Miseviciute's top spot headlines preseason rankings

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Two seniors on the University of Arkansas Razorback women’s tennis team have gained national attention by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association although the fall season has yet to begin.

Aurelija Miseviciute (1) and Ela Kaluder (46) appeared in Friday’s ITA preseason rankings, in both singles and doubles (10).

Miseviciute is in control of the top spot in the nation, something she has held a firm grip on since April 22.

“I’m in a different position this season than a year ago when I was ranked 119th at this time,” said Miseviciute. “The way I look at it is this is a new season and these rankings do not determine what you will do for the year. What really matters is where you are in the spring during team competition and in May for the NCAA Tournament.”

Miseviciute was named to the ITA All-America and All-Star teams, as well as being named a finalist for the Honda Award, which goes to the nation’s top women’s tennis student-athlete. The last ranking in which she was not ranked No. 1 was on April 13 when she was No. 2.

Kaluder provides another punch in the Razorback line-up with a preseason ranking at No. 46. Last season, Kaluder was named All-SEC First Team for the second-consecutive year, while posting an outstanding 9-2 record against Southeastern Conference foes, tied for the team lead.

In doubles, Miseviciute and Kaluder come off a very impressive 2007-2008 season to jump into the 10th spot nationally. The senior tandem recorded 30 wins last season, and also became the first Arkansas duo to be selected for the NCAA Doubles Championships since 1994 before advancing into the round of 16.

Arkansas will swing into the fall season when they host the Razorback Classic at the Billingsley Tennis Center in Fayetteville beginning at 9 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 12. The classic will feature the Razorbacks along with Kansas State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Tulsa.

Be sure to visit ARKANSASRAZORBACKS.COM for more information on the Razorback women’s tennis team as they swing into action for the 2008-2009 season.