Razorbacks’ Hot Start Not Enough in Loss to No. 17 Auburn

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The No. 22 University of Arkansas women’s tennis team started hot on Friday against No. 17 Auburn, winning its first doubles point in four matches, but ultimately dropped the match 4-2 during singles play. With the loss, the Razorbacks drop to 10-4 on the season and 4-4 in Southeastern Conference play.

The Razorbacks changed up the doubles lineup this week, which proved to pay off as Lauren Alter and Indianna Spink swept their counterparts, Carolyn Ansari and Selin Ovunc 6-0 on court two. Following suit, Hog-duo Morgan Cross and Tatum Rice defeated Auburn’s Georgie Axon and Adeline Flach 6-3 on court one to clinch the doubles point for Arkansas.

In singles, No. 44 Spink continued to keep the sparks flying on court one, taking down Ovunc in straight sets 6-3, 6-3. Spink is now 8-3 this season and 5-2 in the number one spot.

Arkansas was leading 2-0 when Auburn stormed back, earning singles wins on courts two, four, five and six to clinch the road win.

Sophomore Kelly Keller never backed down from Auburn’s Yu Chen, but ended up dropping her match 6-4, 6-4, falling in the number two spot for just the second time this season. Freshman Morgan Cross battled in the first set against Axon, taking the Tiger to a tiebreaker but falling 7-6 (4) in the first before dropping the match 7-6 (4), 6-1.

On court six, senior Jackie Carr was amid a stellar comeback after falling to Anastasia Astakhova in the first set. Carr clawed her way back from a 5-1 deficit, winning four-straight games and tying the set at five games apiece. Carr forced Astakhova into a tiebreaker but eventually fell 6-2, 7-5 (5).

Alter was dueling with Flach on court five, looking to keep the match alive for Arkansas, now trailing 3-2 late in the match. Alter faced off against Flach well, but in the end, fell to her Tiger foe 7-6 (4), 6-3.

Arkansas returns to the Billingsley Tennis Center on Sunday at noon for its final home match of the year. Two Razorback seniors, Jackie Carr and Lauren Alter, will be honored during senior ceremonies prior to Sunday’s match.

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).