Razorbacks Open SEC Play Against Mississippi Teams

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Arkansas Razorbacks women’s tennis team is looking to keep its winning streak alive this weekend, as they open SEC play at home against Ole Miss (4-2) and Mississippi State (8-0). The Hogs face off against the Rebels on Saturday (Feb. 20) at noon and then against the Bulldogs on Monday (Feb. 22) at 11 a.m.

Arkansas (5-0) will host the two Mississippi teams after defeating Wichita State (6-1). Freshman-standout Indianna Spink secured the match win for the Razorbacks with a hard-fought victory on court one against Shocker Sarvinoz Saidhujaeva. Spink dropped the first set to Saidhujaeva, 6-1, but was able to pick up momentum and come out on top (1-6, 6-4 (6)).

Leading into Saturday’s afternoon match versus Ole Miss, sophomore Kelly Keller and freshman Morgan Cross hope to stay undefeated. Keller has racked up a 5-0 record this spring, while Cross has built an 8-0 resume herself.

Ole Miss’ Reka Zadori was named the SEC Co-Freshman of the Week for her performance in the Rebels’ double-header against North Alabama last week. Zadori defeated both her singles opponents, guiding Ole Miss to 7-0 and 4-0 wins.

Arkansas and Ole Miss did meet in 2020 before the season was abruptly ended due to COVID-19. The Hogs defeated the Rebels in Fayetteville, 4-3. Arkansas dropped the doubles point but rallied with singles wins from Keller, Tatum Rice and Laura Rijkers for the victory.

Monday’s opponent, Mississippi State, boasts a talented roster with rookie Chloe Cirotte, who earned SEC Co-Freshman of the week for the past two weeks. She became the second player in Bulldog history to earn the award multiple times.

The Bulldogs shutout Tulane this past weekend 7-0. With the win, the Bulldogs improved to 8-0 which matches their best season start in program history.

It’s been since 2019 that Arkansas faced off against MSU, when the Razorbacks rallied in singles play to beat the Bulldogs 4-3 in Starkville. Graduate Jackie Carr and seniors Rice and Lauren Alter all came out with wins in the team victory.

Both matches will take place at the Billingsley Tennis Center on the Dills Indoor Courts, fans can catch the action live on PlaySight.

For fans coming joining us this season, below are some gameday reminders:

• Per Arkansas Department of Health guidelines, the Billingsley Tennis Center will feature reduced capacity based upon current state social distancing standards.
• Fan access to the Tennis Facility will be one (1) hour prior to the start of match. Public entrance to the indoor courts are the north doors to the Dills Indoor Court facility.
• Seating availability will be on a first come, first serve basis. Once we have reached capacity, no additional fans will be allowed into the facility.

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).