No. 65 Lady'Backs upset No. 46 Tulsa

TULSA, OK– The 65th ranked University of Arkansas women’s tennis team showed true grit in a four-hour showdown to upset the 46th ranked University of Tulsa, 4-3, at the Michael D. Case Tennis Center on Friday night. With the scored tied at three matches apiece, junior Karina Ledaja was the lone Lady Razorback on court with her score tied at one set apiece against Tulsa’s Santie Delport. In the dual match deciding third set, Ledaja jumped out to a 5-3 lead, but a determined Delport battled to even the score at 5-5. Ledaja took a one game lead at 6-5, and sent a rocket forehand cross-court to give herself, and the Lady’Backs, the win. “Karina played a fantastic match tonight,” said head coach Michael Hegarty. “She showed just how tough she really is.” Several other Arkansas players stepped up in singles, despite losing a hard-fought doubles point. Melissa Cornett looked solid as she gave Arkansas its first point in a 6-3, 6-3 effort over Tulsa’s Timberly Greenly. The win gives Cornett a 7-3 record against all regional opponents. Freshman Audrey Bordeleau earned a win on court six in a second set tiebreaker over TU’s Agostina Santoro, 6-2, 7-6(6). Freshman Maryori Franco gave Arkansas its first lead in the match with a 6-3, 6-3 win on court two over Lisette Pereira. “Tulsa has an excellent squad,” Hegarty said. “Matches like these help us prepare for the road ahead.” The Lady’Backs remain in Tulsa until Sunday for an afternoon dual match against Oklahoma State. The Lady’Backs were 10-1 against the Cowgirls in singles at the 2004 Lady Razorback Fall Invitational last September. “The match against Oklahoma State will be a big test for us.” Hegarty said. “We look forward to a tough one Sunday.” For more information regarding Lady Razorback tennis or any other Lady’Back sport, please visit www.ladybacks.com.Tennis Match ResultsUniversity of Arkansas vs. University of TulsaFeb 04, 2005 at Tulsa, OKUniversity of Arkansas 4, University of Tulsa 3Singles competition: 1. Daniela Muscolina (TU) def. Vlatka Jovanovic (UA) 6-3, 4-6, 6-22. Maryori Franco (UA) def. Lisette Pereira (TU) 6-3, 6-33. Karina Ledaja (UA) def. Santie Delport (TU) 6-4, 6-7, 7-54. Carla Zabaleta (TU) def. Yawna Allen (UA) 6-3, 6-25. Melissa Cornett (UA) def. Timberly Greenly (TU) 6-3, 6-36. Audrey Bordeleau (UA) def. Agostina Santoro (TU) 6-2, 7-6Doubles competition: 1. Daniela Muscolina/Carla Zabaleta (TU) def. Maryori Franco/Karina Ledaja (UA) 8-52. Vlatka Jovanovic/Melissa Cornett (UA) def. Lisette Pereira/Santie Delport (TU) 8-23. Timberly Greenly/Kindsay Grimes (TU) def. Yawna Allen/Audrey Bordeleau (UA) 8-5Notes: University of Tulsa 3-1University of Arkansas 4-0T-4 hours A-55