CONWAY, Ark.: The University of Central Arkansas tennis program (4-6) begins its journey for a tough doubleheader as they head to Stillwater, Okla.
The Bears are on a trip to continue their hot streak as they head to Stillwater, Okla., to face two quality opponents. In the early goings of the schedule, this is two defining matchups as they head to Cowgirl country to face No. 13 Oklahoma State ( and Missouri State. Both these teams are primed with talent and know UCA after previous matches and invitationals with the squad.
Oklahoma State matched against the Bears last year, as they made a similar trip down to Stillwater in the early portions of the schedule. In that match, the Cowgirls dominated and bested UCA 4-0. As for Missouri State, they got their first glimpse of the cross-state Bears at the UCA First and Second Fall Invitational. Success favored the Bear's from Arkansas as in those two meetings, UCA was 8-4 in singles and 6-0 in doubles against MSU.
Regardless of previous matches, this is a different UCA team as they have been hitting stride recently. After starting the season 0-5, the Bears are looking to get back to .500 with two more victories. Against a premier Big 12 school and a formidable Missouri Valley opponent, it is most definitely easier said than done. For the Bears to have a solid chance, they will need success from a few of their go-to hitters.
One of those hitters includes sophomore Fuka Nonoyama. Nonoyama has already stamped her claim this season as she bested some of the highest levels of competition at the ITA Central Regional Tournament. In that tournament, she claimed the consolation prize as she only lost one match at the regional. Outside of that success, she is 16-7 on the year in singles play. Another heavy hitter comes in the form of a junior who has wins over power five schools such as Arkansas and Missouri. Yada Vasupongchai has been a force from the No. 3 spot all season as she boasts a 14-6 record in singles play and is 3-3 against power five schools.
The Bears will begin their search for .500 as they faceoff against Missouri State tomorrow at 10:30 a.m., followed by Oklahoma State at 1:30 p.m in Stillwater.
