Lady'Back tennis breaks from SEC play

FAYETTEVILLE — The University of Arkansas women’s tennis team breaks from Southeastern Conference action Tuesday traveling to Santa Barbara, Calif., for a non-conference match up with the Gauchos over Spring Break. Arkansas (10-4) overall, opened the season on fire winning its first 10 contests but the winning streak ended recently when SEC play began. The Lady’Backs dropped their next four but are looking for a return to the win column this weekend. "We took this trip to make sure we got some outdoor matches before some difficult upcoming SEC matches," said head coach Michael Hagerty. "This is a break from conference play but the outdoor practices are great and the reason we came out here. The match is actually an additional benefit." The Lady Razorbacks are 1-0 lifetime against the Gauchos but haven’t faced the UCSB since the 1995-96 season when Arkansas sailed to a 7-2 victory. Karina Ledaja continues to pace Arkansas this year. The Liepaja, Latvia, junior has won 22 matches in singles action this year and enters the week with a 78.6 winning percentage. Arkansas’ "break" continues with a return to league action traveling to Nashville, Tenn., to face Vanderbilt on the Commodores’ home court. The Lady’Backs fell to and up-and-coming Vanderbilt squad, 5-2, in Fayetteville last season and are looking to return the favor Friday. "We’ve just played four of our last matches against top 25 SEC teams and we face two more this week," said Hegarty. "This trip is about getting outside and taking advantage of practice time to get ready for the rest of the outdoor season." Arkansas has just a pair of home matches remaining returning to Fayetteville to host Mississippi April 3, and Louisiana State April 16. For more information about Arkansas tennis log on to LADYBACKS.COM.