Nailbiter at Dills Jovanovic Clinches

FAYETTEVILLE—Despite losing the doubles point for only the second time this season, the University of Arkansas women’s tennis team rallied in singles to edge the Kansas State Wildcats, 4-3, at the Dills Indoor Tennis Center Saturday afternoon. With the win, the Lady’Backs tie the all-time best season start, 7-0, which was set during the 1986-87 season. Kansas State drops to 1-3 with the loss. With the score tied at three matches apiece, Vlatka Jovanovic held a one set advantage over KSU’s Tamar Kvaratskhelia on court two. Kvaratskhelia tied the match at one set apiece with a 6-4 victory in the second set. The third set belonged to Jovanovic, who exploded out of the gates to win the first six points. Using the momentum, the junior transfer cruised to a set, match and dual match win for Arkansas. “This was a classic college tennis match in every sense,” said head coach Michael Hegarty. “To lose the doubles point and rebound like we did is a testament to the will of this team.” The Lady’Backs found themselves down 0-2 after an Iliana Pacheco loss on court three to Jessica Simosa. The Arkansas offense was sparked on court five with a 6-3, 6-2 victory by Melissa Cornett. Freshman Yawna Allen was not far behind her, tying the score with a 6-4, 6-4 win on court six over Fernanda Da Valle. The Lady’Backs went ahead 3-2 with a win on court four by Karina Ledaja. The junior transfer pounded her way to a 6-2, 6-4 victory over Judith Diaz. In doubles, Iliana Pacheco and Whitney Morton remain undefeated this spring, defeating Da Valle and Tereza Prochazkova, 8-4. “Kansas State is a very tough squad,” Hegarty said. “We seem to be very clutch in 4-3 matches. It’s a great sign to see three different players clinch a 4-3 match.” The Lady’Backs are back in action again tomorrow as they play host to North Texas at 11:00 and Abilene Christian at 4:00. Live scoring is available under the stats section. For more information, please visit www.ladybacks.com.Tennis Match ResultsKansas State University vs. University of ArkansasFeb 12, 2005 at Fayetteville, ARUniversity of Arkansas 4, Kansas State University 3Singles competition: 1. Maria Rosenberg (KSU) def. Maryori Franco (UA) 6-0, 6-42. Vlatka Jovanovic (UA) def. Tamar Kvaratskhelia (KSU) 6-3, 4-6, 6-13. Jessica Simosa (KSU) def. Iliana Pacheco (UA) 6-2, 6-34. Karina Ledaja (UA) def. Judith Diaz (KSU) 6-2, 6-45. Melissa Cornett (UA) def. Tereza Prochazkova (KSU) 6-3, 6-26. Yawna Allen (UA) def. Fernanda Da Valle (KSU) 6-4, 6-4Doubles competition: 1. Maria Rosenberg/Tamar Kvaratskhelia (KSU) def. Maryori Franco/Karina Ledaja (UA) 9-82. Jessica Simosa/Judith Diaz (KSU) def. Vlatka Jovanovic/Melissa Cornett (UA) 8-63. Whitney Morton/Iliana Pacheco (UA) def. Tereza Prochazkova/Fernanda Da Valle (KSU) 8-4Notes: T-4 hrs A-70