Women’s Tennis Records Near Perfect Day to Open K-State Invitational

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Four members of the Arkansas women’s tennis team opened play today at the K-State Invitational, grabbing six wins across singles and doubles competition. The first day in Manhattan consisted of two rounds of doubles play followed by one round of singles matches.

The Razorbacks started the day by going unbeaten in doubles play. Freshmen Lilitha Ndungane and Katarina Pavlechova impressed in their Arkansas debuts, securing two victories over Niroshan/Senli (South Florida) and Alberto/Camblor (lowa State). Freshman Jimena Gomez Alonso made her mark in her first match as a Hog, teaming up with sophomore Morgan McCarthy to earn a 6-3 win against South Florida’s Kulidjian/Vargas.

Ndungane and Pavlechova both took home their third victories of the day after wins over Clara Whitaker (Wichita State) and Kelly Vargas (South Florida), respectively. Gomez Alonso picked up her second victory of the event in singles play, defeating South Florida’s Karine Kulidjian in straight sets. McCarthy fell in three sets in her only singles match of the day.

Arkansas continues play at the K-State Invitational tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. CT while four more members of the squad will compete in Cary, N.C., at the ITA All-American Championships with the first match starting at 12 p.m. CT.

Singles Results
Pavlechova (Arkansas) def. Vargas (South Florida), 6-4, 7-6 (3)
Gomez Alonso (Arkansas) def. Kulidjian (South Florida), 6-3, 6-3  
Ndungane (Arkansas) def. Whitaker (Wichita State), 6-4, 4-6, 6-0  
Pretorius (Iowa State) def. McCarthy (Arkansas), 4-6, 6-1, 6-0

Doubles Results
Ndungane/Pavlechova (Arkansas) def. Niroshan/Senli (South Florida), 6-1
Ndungane/Pavlechova (Arkansas) def. Alberto/Camblor (Iowa State), 6-4  
Gomez Alonso/McCarthy (Arkansas) def. Kulidjian/Vargas (South Florida), 6-3