Razorbacks Improve In National Rankings

TEMPE, Ariz. — Behind a victory last Friday over No. 15 Kansas, Arkansas improved to No. 27 in the latest edition of the Oracle/ITA Division I Women’s Collegiate Tennis Rankings released Tuesday.

The Razorbacks’ No. 36 nationally ranked doubles duo of junior Ana Oparenovic and freshman Tatum Rice, closed out non-conference competition with an 8-0 record, good for second overall in the Southeastern Conference and first among duos competing at the No. 1 position. In singles, sophomore Giulia Pairone boasts a 7-0 record, including a 2-0 mark at the top spot. Pairone’s 7-0 singles record is tied for seventh best in the conference.

“What an amazing non-conference run for the top of our lineup both in singles and doubles,” head coach Michael Hegarty said. “We’ve never been unbeaten at the top spots through non-conference play, which bodes well for our chances in SEC competition.”

The Razorbacks (4-5) now will turn their attention to SEC play Friday when they take on Missouri at 4 p.m. CT in Columbia, and enter league play as one of eight teams in the SEC featured in the top 30 of the national rankings.

“There’s no doubt our wins over Kansas, Oklahoma and Tulsa will boost our RPI and be helpful for postseason positioning,” Hegarty said.

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