CONWAY, Ark. – The University of Central Arkansas tennis program is set to finally open its home slate for the 2024 spring, hosting North Texas and Southeast Missouri State. The Bears currently hold a 4-3 record on the young season with a chance to prove themselves against some familiar foes.
This past weekend, the Bears faced both Omaha and Creighton, splitting the two matches, while also taking down in-state foe Arkansas Tech in the midweek. As usual, sophomore Vichitraporn Vimuktananda shined in her opportunity in the No. 1 singles spot, winning both of her singles matches over the weekend, while taking a chance to get some rest against Arkansas Tech. Freshman Harune Shigemasu shined in her opportunities this week, going 3-0 in the No. 5 and No. 6 singles spot. Sophomore Ting-An Chen stepped up for the Bears to seal the final point for UCA against Omaha to put another road win on ice.
The Bears welcome in the Mean Green from the Lone Star State, who also hold a 4-3 record on the season, holding wins over New Mexico State, Houston, Collin County, and Southeast Oklahoma State, while narrowly losing to both USF and Florida Atlantic. Sophomore Stadfany Nformi took home the American Athletic Conference Women's Tennis Player of the Week after her performances against Houston and New Mexico State, so North Texas will surely not be short on talent and this should be a great test for the Bears to see where they are at this point in the season. UCA is 0-1 all-time against North Texas, a 6-1 decision way back in January of 2016.
Later, the Bears welcome in the Redhawks, and it hasn't been quite so long since these programs have squared off, as recently they have been regular opponents. SEMO holds a 1-4 record to start the year, with the lone win coming over Lindsey Wilson College. The Redhawks nearly defeated Middle Tennessee State, while also coming up short against Belmont and Western Kentucky. UCA currently holds a 5-2 record all-time against the Redhawks, with SEMO most recently blanking UCA 7-0 last year in Columbia, Missouri, so the Bears should be focused on settling the score in this matchup.
The Bears are tentatively set to take on UNT and SEMO on Friday, February 16th at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. respectively, however that could change due to potential storms. To stay tuned with all updates about UCA tennis, be sure to follow on Twitter/X at @UCATennis.
