Razorback Netters Conclude Home Weekend Sunday Against No. 49 South Carolina

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas will conclude its weekend homestand Sunday when the No. 16 Razorbacks host No. 49 South Carolina at the Dills Indoor Tennis Center in Fayetteville.

Due to travel concerns and pending weather conditions, the match was moved indoors to the Dills Center. It was originally scheduled to be played at the Wal-Mart Life & Tennis Center in Bentonville.

The Razorbacks (11-6, 2-3 SEC) are coming a, 6-1, setback to No. 8 Florida Friday, while the Gamecocks (10-9, 1-4 SEC) were shut out by No. 19 LSU, 7-0, in Baton Rouge.

“After the loss to Florida, we must get right back on the court and come out hot,” Razorback Coach Robert Cox said, “We were disappointed (Friday), but we put in a good practice and are prepared to play well against South Carolina.”

The Gamecocks are playing without seniors Dmitry Babenko and Geraldo Knorr, two of USC’s regular top six who are out with injury. South Carolina is led by senior Tom Eklund, an All-SEC player from a year ago.

Razorback senior Rohan Gajjar claimed the Hogs’ lone point Friday. The 74th-ranked Gajjar is 15-6 on the season, and he and classmate Matt Roberts snapped a six-match losing streak at No. 1 doubles, improving their record to 10-6.

On the season, Roberts, ranked 49th, leads the Arkansas lineup with a 21-6 record, including a 12-3 dual-match tally and a 4-1 mark in conference play. Sophomore Michael Jung is also 21-6, 1-2 in SEC action, while 13th-ranked senior Adrians Zguns is 20-5, 12-2 in duals and 4-1 in the SEC. Freshman Blake Strode, ranked 102nd, is 17-5 overall, 9-3 in duals and 2-3 in conference, while sophomore Colin Mascall is 9-6 and 2-3 in the league.

The Razorback top four, Zguns, Roberts, Gajjar and Strode, have combined to go 73-22 this season, 44-11 in dual matches and 13-7 in the SEC.

“Matt, Adrians, Rohan and Blake continue to fight and keep us in these matches,” Cox said, “We are better in the last two spots, and we are going to need a complete team performance to earn the win over a quality South Carolina team.

“I like our team and am confident we can get back on the winning side,” Cox said.

The Razorbacks and South Carolina are set for a 11:30 a.m. first serve at the Dills Indoor Tennis Center on the UA campus. The Dills Center is located directly across from Bud Walton Arena on Razorback Road. Admission is free and there will be free refreshments for fans.