CONWAY, Ark. – The University of Central Arkansas tennis program is set to face off against Jacksonville State and Lane College this weekend in what should be a good matchup between two former in-conference foes and then a chance for UCA to take on a team it has no prior experience with.
UCA suffered two losses this past weekend at the hands of both North Texas and SEMO, dropping their record to 4-5 on the season. Vichitraporn Vimuktananda continued her impressive start to the season in the morning match against North Texas before ultimately losing for the first time this season in the afternoon match against Southeast Missouri State. The Bears were also shut out for the first time this season against the Redhawks. Konomi Miyakawa was dominant in her first match, winning 6-0 in the first set, while keeping pace in the second set, winning 7-5. The win was the third of the season for Miyakawa, who has moved up from the No. 5 slot to as high as the No. 3 slot.
The Jacksonville State Gamecocks are in their first season in the C-USA, and currently hold a 3-4 record with a match against Arkansas State to precede the match with UCA. The Gamecocks hold key wins over Eastern Kentucky, and in-state opponents in UAB and Alabama A&M. JSU finished 2023 in a similar way to the Bears, ending with a 15-8 record and ended their season in the second round of the ASUN Tournament with a loss to Stetson. The Gamecocks boast a lot of talent on their squad including sophomore Polina Ramenskaja was named C-USA Athlete of the Week two weeks ago. The two teams have split the two matches all time, with each team securing a road win. Jacksonville State got the better of UCA last season, clinching a 5-2 win at the UCA Tennis Courts, so UCA will be fighting to get the upper hand in the series.
The Lane College Dragons were a late addition to UCA's schedule, but a great chance to get some more experience for younger players ahead of conference play. The Dragons are 2-7 on the season, with an opening win over Mississippi University for Women and a win over Edward Waters this season. This matchup in Jackson, Tennessee will be the first ever matchup between the Bears and Dragons, so this should be a great opportunity for the Bears to pick up a road win this weekend.
UCA will first face off against Jacksonville State in Memphis, Tennessee on Sunday, February 25th at 8:30 a.m. and then the Bears will head north east to Jackson, Tennessee to face off against the Lane College Dragons at 2:00 p.m. Follow along with all things with UCA tennis on Twitter/X at @UCATennis.
