Smillie and Vrba Earn Finals Berth at ITA Central Region Championships
NORMAN, Okla. – The Arkansas men’s tennis team had three members of the squad in main draw action on Saturday as the duo of No. 25 Connor Smillie and Jakub Vrba made a run to the finals of the doubles main draw.
In singles action, Ben Weintraub’s run in the main draw came to an end as he fell to Oscar Lacides, 6-2, 6-2. Weintraub was the last remaining Razorback in the main draw, while the team had two members competing in the Round of 16 of the consolation draw. Smillie advanced by default with Benjamin Johnson being disqualified and Marino Jakic fell to Colson Wells,, 4-6, 3-6
The tandem of No. 25 Smillie/Vrba won twice on Saturday to earn the right to play in the doubles main draw finals on Sunday. In the first of two matches verses University of Oklahoma opponents, they took down Harazaki/Trondson, 8-7(5). Immediately following that match, the duo faced Melero/Alvarez Valdes and won in straight sets.
If Smillie and Vrba are able to win the final on Sunday, they will automatically qualify for the NCAA Doubles Championships in Orlando, Fla. from Nov. 18-23.
Day Four Results
Singles Main Draw
QF: Lacides (Oklahoma) Weintraub (Arkansas), 6-2, 6-3
Singles Consolation Draw
C-QF: Colson (Nebraska) def. Jakic (Arkansas), 6-4, 6-3
C-QF: Smillie (Arkansas) moves on to semifinals due to disqualification of opponent.
Doubles Main Draw
QF: No. 25 Smille/Vrba (Arkansas) def. Harazaki/Trondson (Oklahoma), 8-7 (5)
SF: No. 25 Smillie/Vrba (Arkansas) def. Melero/Alejandro Valdes (Oklahoma), 6-4, 6-4
For the latest information on all things Arkansas Men’s Tennis, follow the Hogs on social media by liking us on Facebook (Arkansas Razorback Men’s Tennis) and following us on Twitter and Instagram (@RazorbackMTennis).
