March 19, 2015
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The No. 12 Vanderbilt women’s tennis team returns home this weekend to continue conference action. The Commodores host Missouri Friday at 4:00 p.m. and the No. 38 Arkansas Razorbacks Sunday at 1:00 p.m. The `Dores stand 9-5 overall and are 4-1 in league play.
“It just feels great to be back home,” said head coach Geoff Macdonald. “We hope to get some great crowds out. The level of play from every team in our conference is so good that we’re ready… we’ve had a really great week of practice and we’re looking forward to playing Missouri and Arkansas.”
Vanderbilt went 1-1 this past weekend, picking up a solid win against in-state rival Tennessee, 6-1. The Commodores took the doubles point from No. 7 Georgia, but ultimately fell to the Bulldogs, 5-2, with hard losses in singles action. No. 30 Ashleigh Antal and Astra Sharma maintain an undefeated SEC status after contributing two doubles wins this weekend.
“This week the worked a lot on decision making and shot selection. You know what’s the right choice at the right time. They’ve responded really well and have worked hard all week. It’s mental and physical work all at the same time. You could compare making the right choices in tennis to basketball, you know, working for a good shot. If you have a good shot, but can get a great shot always work hard for that.”
Scouting the Tigers:
Mizzou currently owns an 8-9 overall record, and 0-5-conference slate. Last weekend the tigers fell to Gamecocks 6-1, and the Gators 7-0. During their last meeting the Commodores defeated the Tigers 6-1 at the Currey Tennis Center.
Scouting the Razorbacks:
No. 38 Arkansas boasts one ranked player with Yulia Lysa coming in at No. 117 in the latest ITA polls. Last weekend the Razorbacks upset South Carolina at home in a 4-3 victory. Before traveling to West End Arkansas takes on Kentucky Friday night. Last season Georgina Syllen clinched the Commodores 4-3 win over Arkansas.
Live Stats for both matches can be found .