FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Freshman Tatum Rice came through in three sets to power Arkansas past No. 15 Kansas 4-3 on Friday night at George M. Billingsley Tennis Center.
Rice, a native of Hot Springs, Arkansas, defeated Maria Toran Ribes 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 at No. 4 singles for her 10th overall singles victory of the season.
The Jayhawks (4-3) won a close doubles point, getting victories at No. 2 and No. 3. Rice and junior Ana Oparenovic bettered their record to 7-0 in dual matches with their 6-4 win at No. 1.
Momentum shifted in singles play as the Razorbacks (4-4) won first three matches to take a 3-1 lead.
No. 76 Oparenovic was first off the court, making quick work of her opponent 6-0, 6-1.
Sophomore Giulia Pairone improved to 6-0 on the season with her 6-1, 6-2 victory at the top spot.
Senior Mia Jurasic also was a straight-sets winner at No. 3, 6-4, 6-1.
The Jayhawks answered quickly with wins at the No. 5 and No. 6 positions, but with all eyes on the final court, Rice delivered the clinching victory.
Up Next
Arkansas will welcome Purdue to Fayetteville on Sunday for an 11 a.m. CT match.
