Razorbacks Reel In Postseason Honors

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Two members of the No. 32-ranked Arkansas women’s tennis team earned Southeastern Conference postseason honors, as voted by the league’s coaches, the conference office announced Wednesday.

Senior Yuliya Lysa was named to the All-SEC First Team, while freshman Ana Oparenovic earned a spot on the All-Freshman team. Lysa is the ninth player in program history to garner first team honors, while Oparenovic becomes the third to earn All-Freshman acclaim.

“What an accomplishment for both Yuliya and Ana,” head coach Michael Hegarty said. “This has been the deepest, strongest season ever in SEC Women’s Tennis. For these two young women to receive such lofty awards is a testament to their hard work and commitment to this tennis program. I also want to commend all of the players named to both teams as this was the hardest year ever to do so.”

Lysa, who is ranked No. 22 nationally, owns a 13-6 dual-match singles record on the season. She was especially dominant during SEC play, posting a team-best 9-4 mark that included 4 victories over top-25 opponents.

“It’s a great feeling to be awarded All-SEC First Team honors with such an amazing group of fellow student-athletes,” Lysa said. “Being a part of the Razorback Tennis program has been a life-changing experience for me, and I am grateful for the support of the entire athletic department and especially my wonderful teammates and coaches.”

Oparenovic holds a 14-12 dual-match record this spring. Ranked No. 81 nationally, she has notched wins over four ranked opponents during her rookie campaign. On March 23, she earned SEC Freshman of the Week honors for compiling a 4-0 record in singles and doubles and helping propel Arkansas (16-13, 5-8) to a weekend sweep of conference foes No. 43 Alabama and No. 15 Auburn.

“I am honored to be named to the All-Freshman team during such a spectacular season of SEC Women’s Tennis,” Oparenovic said. “It is only possible due to the amazing support I receive from my family, team and coaches. Arkansas is the best place in America to be a student-athlete, and I hope to be deserving of many more successes in the future.”

Up Next
The 2016 NCAA Tournament field will be announced May 3 at 4 p.m. CDT during an NCAA.com selection show. Individuals will be announced May 4 at 5 p.m. CDT via NCAA.com press release.

For more information on Arkansas Women’s Tennis, follow @RazorbackWTEN on Twitter.