LEXINGTON, Ky. ? The Kentucky women?s tennis team (10-5 overall, 1-3 SEC) looks to return from its 10 day recess to play unranked Alabama (6-7, 2-2) and No. 30 Auburn (12-3, 3-1) on Friday and Sunday, respectively. UK will play the Crimson Tide on Friday March 21 at the Hilary J. Boone Tennis Complex in Lexington, Ky. The Cats will then travel to Auburn, Ala. on Sunday March 23 to take on the Tigers at Yarbrough Tennis Center.
In UK and Bama?s last meeting, the Tide played host and fell to the Cats, 4-3. With a 22-8 all-time record, Kentucky holds the advantage over the Alabama. Most recently the Crimson Tide swept the University of Houston 7-0 at home in Tuscaloosa.
Kentucky also holds a winning all-time record of 19-6 over Auburn. At their last meeting the two teams played at Auburn with UK taking the win, 4-3. During AU?s last match they upset then-No. 15 TCU, 4-3. The Tigers were led by freshman Gabby Beelen who clinched the win and was named the most recent SEC Freshman of the Week for women?s tennis.
The Wildcats have lost some footing in their most recent matches, losing to SEC rivals LSU and Arkansas. However, UK remains in the top 25 at No. 23, and looks to regain the higher status of top 20 which they enjoyed two weeks prior.
UK battled in tight matches, trading point for point against the Tigers and Razorbacks. Kentucky unfortunately suffered the team?s first two home losses of the season, each 4-3. Sophomore Christine Johnston has remained one of the strongest players for Kentucky, boasting a singles record of 14-1. Johnston is followed by freshman Megan Broderick who plays on court two with a 12-3 mark and junior Carolina Escamilla on court three holding an 11-4 record.
The first match, against Alabama, will be hosted by Kentucky at the Hilary J. Boone Tennis Center and is slated to begin at 1 p.m. on Friday March 21. The Wildcats will then head to Auburn, Ala. to play against the No. 30 Tigers on Sunday March 23. The catfight is scheduled to begin at noon ET.
For complete coverage of Kentucky women?s tennis, please visit www.ukathletics.com.
