Razorbacks Defeat Nebraska In Exciting Fashion, 4-3

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Arkansas men’s tennis team (5-2) bounced back from its loss to No. 25 Memphis last Sunday with a thrilling 4-3 comeback victory over Nebraska (5-3) on Saturday afternoon at Dillon Tennis Center.

For the first time this season, the Hogs won a match without clinching the doubles point. The Huskers took the early advantage in doubles with a victory on court one, as Shepp/Wiedenhorn defeated Jared Horwood/Melvin Manuel, 7-5. Nebraska claimed the doubles point after a win from Mueller/Johann over Gerard Planelles Ripoll/Alan Sau Franco at the No. 2 position. Connor Smillie and Jake Sweeney’s match went unfinished with the Razorback duo ahead 6-5.

Arkansas struck first in singles play with Benedikt Emesz besting Christiansen, 6-1, 6-3 on court five, while Karlo Kajin fell in straight sets to Sysoev at the No. 6 position, giving the Huskers a 2-1 lead in the match. The Hogs answered with a victory on court four to tie the match, as Savva defeated Maruyama, 6-3, 3-6, 6-2.

Nebraska regained the lead following a narrow 6-1, 2-6, 7-6 (3) win from No. 113 Shepp over Božo Barun at the No. 2 position. The Razorbacks evened the score yet again after a victory on court three, as No. 107 Manuel bested Johann, 3-6, 6-3, 7-5. The match came down to court one, where Planelles Ripoll faced off against Calvin Mueller. Mueller took the first set 7-5 while Planelles Ripoll fought back to win the second set 6-3, forcing a winner-take-all third set. In the final set, Planelles Ripoll pulled away early en route to a 6-2 victory, securing the match for Arkansas.

The Hogs will return to Billingsley Tennis Center next week to host Drake in a midweek matchup on Wednesday, Feb. 14.