Razorbacks Bounce Back with 4-2 Win over Rice in ITA Kickoff Weekend Finale

AUSTIN, Texas – The Arkansas men’s tennis team (5-2) bounced back from its loss to Georgia Tech yesterday with a 4-2 win over Rice (3-2) Sunday afternoon at Texas Tennis Center as part of ITA Kickoff Weekend.

The Owls took the early advantage in doubles with a victory on court two as Kuzmenok/Navarro defeated Connor Smillie/Jakub Vrba, 6-3. Rice claimed the doubles point after a 6-2 win from No. 43 de la Bassetiere/Kapasi against Božo Barun/Marino Jakic in the top spot. Benni Emesz and Lukas Palovic’s match went unfinished with the Razorback duo ahead 5-1 over No. 118 Mandelbaum/Morais at the No. 3 position.

The Hogs quickly responded by taking the first set on five courts and eventually securing the match with four singles victories. On court three, Palovic improved to 5-2 this spring after a commanding 6-1, 6-1 win against Sendogan. Arkansas grabbed the lead following a 6-1, 6-4 victory from No. 85 Vrba over Kapasi at the No. 4 position.

The Razorbacks stretched their lead to 3-1 after Arthur Bellegy took down Sarouk 6-2, 7-6 (4) on court six. The Owls earned their lone singles point with a three-set win from Czaplinski against Emesz at the No. 5 position. The Hogs clinched the match at the top spot as Barun fought off a comeback attempt from de la Bassetiere, 6-2, 4-6, 6-4.

Jakic’s match went unfinished as he held a 4-2 lead in the third set. Jakic dropped the opening set 4-6 before coming back to tie the match with a 6-3 victory in the second set.

Arkansas returns to Billingsley Tennis Center on Friday, January 31 to host Nebraska at 5:30 p.m.