Keller Named SEC Newcomer of the Week

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Sophomore Kelly Keller becomes the third recipient and first Razorback of the newly established SEC Newcomer of the Week honor. This is the fourth weekly SEC award for the University of Arkansas women’s tennis team in seven weeks.

The SEC Newcomer of the Week will be awarded this year only to honor a player who had their freshman campaign interrupted by the global pandemic.

The Razorbacks are 10-1 on the season after defeating No. 11 Vanderbilt (4-3) on Friday and falling to Kentucky (1-4) on Sunday.

Keller helped lead Arkansas to its best start since 2005, clinching their 10th-straight victory and upsetting No. 11 Vanderbilt after battling back in a first set loss to defeat Emma Kurtz in the No. 2 position, 4-6, 6-3, 6-3.

In doubles play, Keller and her teammate Laura Rijkers handed Commodores duo of Rosca and Lee their second loss of the season, 6-4.

Against Kentucky, Keller was leading (2-6, 6-1, 3-0) in her singles match against Wildcats’ Carlota Molina, who won SEC Newcomer of the Week previously, before the match was clinched.

Keller improves to 6-3 in singles play and 7-1 in doubles play this season.

Arkansas is back in action next weekend with its first full Southeastern Conference road trip of the season. The Razorbacks travel to South Carolina on Friday, March 12 and then play at Florida on Sunday, March 14.

Fans are encouraged to visit ArkansasRazorbacks.com for the latest information on all things Arkansas Women’s Tennis. You can also find the Hogs on social media by liking us on Facebook (Arkansas Razorback Women’s Tennis) and following us on Twitter and Instagram (@RazorbackWTEN).