Tennis opens season at St. Louis

FAYETTEVILLE – Three Lady Razorbacks get the 2006-07 women’s tennis season underway as Arkansas competes this weekend at the Billikan Invitational in St. Louis.

Freshmen Carly Dixon and Melissa Hoffmeister have their Arkansas debuts along with sophomore Rachel Wilhelm at the St. Louis University hosted event. First matches are set for Friday morning.

“It’s a low key opening for the team, but a great opportunity for some of our younger players to gain valuable experience,” Lady’Back tennis head coach Michael Hegarty said.

The lone returnee on the trip, Wilhelm is set in the top flight of the four singles groups at the Billikan. Dixon, a 5-3 product from Tulsa, will play in the second flight with Joplin, Mo., native Hoffmeister in the third flight.

“The freshmen get a taste of college tennis, and it’s a chance for some early match play for all three,” Hegarty said.

The three will rotate as a doubles team.

“We will mix and match throughout the weekend as we work on pairings,” Hegarty said. “It gives them plenty of matches.”

The Billikan runs through Sunday afternoon.