Arkansas downs Missouri to advance on first day at SEC Tournament

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Arkansas defeated Missouri on Wednesday afternoon to open the SEC Tournament, advancing to the second round to face Kentucky on Thursday morning.

The Hogs continued their strong doubles play, once again clinching the point in straight sets. Lauren Alter and Tatum Rice gave Arkansas a one-set advantage with a 6-1 victory before Miruna Tudor and Jackie Carr clinched the point at the No. 3 position.

The Razorbacks quickly went up 3-0, as Tudor earned a 6-2, 6-1 win and Alter defeated Lisa Fukutoku at the No. 3 position.

The Tigers earned their lone point of the match as Laura Rijkers fell 7-6, 6-0, before No. 85 Martina Zerulo clinched the match with a 6-0, 6-2 victory over Mackenzy Middlebrooks.

Arkansas will face No.27 Kentucky in the second round of tournament play, with first serve against the Wildcats set for 10 a.m. at the George P. Mitchell Tennis Center.

No. 44 Arkansas 4, Missouri 1

Doubles Results – Order of Finish (1,3)
1. Lauren Alter/Tatum Rice (ARK) def. Ellie Wright/Lisa Fukutoku (MIZ) 6-1
2. Martina Zerulo/Thea Rice (ARK) vs. Marta Oliveira/Macken Middlebrooks (MIZ) 4-3, unfinished
3. Miruna Tudor/Jackie Carr (ARK) def. Gabrielle Goldin/Taylor Gruber (MIZ) 6-2

Doubles Results – Order of Finish (4,3,5,1)
1. No. 85 Martina Zerulo (ARK) def. No. 114 Mackenzy Middlebrooks (MIZ) 6-0, 6-2
2. No. 76 Tatum Rice (ARK) vs. Serena Nash (MIZ) 6-1, 4-6, 0-0, unfinished
3. Lauren Alter (ARK) def. Lisa Fukutoku (MIZ) 6-1, 6-2
4. Miruna Tudor (ARK) def. Taylor Gruber (MIZ) 6-2, 6-1
5. Marta Oliveira (MIZ) def. Laura Rijkers (ARK) 7-6 (7-3), 6-0
6. Jackie Carr (ARK) vs. Vivien Abraham (MIZ) 6-1, 3-5, unfinished