CONWAY, Ark – The University of Central Arkansas tennis program is set to take on Ouachita Baptist and Oral Roberts for a big opportunity this weekend.
The Bears are coming off two gritty wins over nearby Arkansas Tech this past weekend. The sweep of the twin billing allowed UCA to jump over the .500 mark for the first time this season ahead of a big homestand.
For the Bears, the freshman pair of Nanoka Kazama and Vichitraporn Vimuktananda were a huge factor that led to two narrow victories, as they won both of their doubles matches. Another underclassmen pairing of Sumomo Hamanaga and Konomi Miyakawa also won both doubles matches, which helped UCA swing the doubles point that led to two close victories. Hamanaga and Kazama each won their singles matches last weekend which looms large for momentum.
Ouachita Baptist, coached by Kourtney Chumbley, come into the weekend at 2-3. The Tigers have a common opponent with UCA, as OBU dropped a 7-0 decision to Arkansas Tech on February 11th. The Bears are 2-0 all-time against OBU, taking both matches in Arkadelphia, but the last time they have met is in 2006. This weekend will be a good chance for two in-state teams to renew a rivalry.
The Oral Roberts Golden Eagles, led by head coach Mark Miller, are coming in at 1-6. The Golden Eagles most recently dropped 4-0 decisions to Louisiana Tech and Oklahoma State on Monday, February 20th. The Bears are 6-1 all-time against ORU with the last matchup coming in 2020, where the Bears secured a 5-2 win in Stillwater, Okla. The Golden Eagles haven't come to Conway since February of 2018, when the Bears took a 4-0 decision.
UCA returns to action on Friday, February 24th, taking on Ouachita Baptist at 10:00 a.m., and then Oral Roberts at 1:30 p.m.
