Murray State University Athletics
Murray State
Central Arkansas
Women’s Tennis Set for Pair of Weekend Matches
2/14/2014 9:33:00 AM | Women's Tennis
Continuing their nonconference schedule, Murray State's women's tennis team will take on Central Arkansas and Southern Illinois this weekend. Their match with UCA will be at home at Kenlake State Park, Saturday, Feb. 15 with a 1 p.m. start. They will then turn around to play the Salukis Sunday, Feb. 16 in Carbondale, Ill. with first serve also set for 1 p.m.
The Racers (2-2) enter the weekend coming off their first two losses of the season. MSU dropped a match against then-ranked 33rd Memphis back on Feb. 7 before falling 4-2 in a tough match with Chattanooga, Feb. 8.
During the spring season, Andrea Eskauriatza is 3-1 at No. 1 singles with her only loss coming at the hands of a tough three setter in Memphis. She is also 3-1 at No. 2 doubles with partner, Erin Patton.
The Racers have earned the doubles point in three of their first four matches, including their loss to Chattanooga. In addition to Eskauriatza and Patton, Verginie and Eleonore Tchakarova are 1-1 at No. 1 and Carla Suga and Megan Blue are 2-0 at No. 3.
MSU and UCA will meet for the fourth consecutive season with the Racers holding a 2-1 edge in the series. The Sugar Bears got the better of the Racers a year ago, with a 4-1 win in Conway. The veteran team boasts six upperclassmen (four juniors, two seniors) and five members who competed in last year's match.
In two matches this season, the Sugar Bears are 1-1, coming off a win over Harding College. Sasha Ruocco is 2-0 playing at No. 5 singles while likely No. 1, Simona Horsikyan, is 1-1 after finishing 2013 12-14 at the first draw.
Following their home match with UCA, the Racers will travel to Carbondale to take on SIU. The two teams will be meeting for the ninth time in 10 years. The Racers hold an all-time 25-20 advantage over the Salukis dating back to 1968, but SIU has won the last four matches. MSU was last in Carbondale in 2012, where they suffered a 5-2 loss.
SIU has started their season 1-3 with their only win coming against OVC opponent Austin Peay (6-1). They've also faced fellow OVC opponent Eastern Illinois, a close match they dropped, 4-3.
The Saluki's are getting good play from their top draws. Junior Natasha Tomishima is 2-1 at No. 1 singles while freshman Meagan Monaghan is 2-0 at No. 2 with both wins coming in the team's last two matches.
