March 17, 2009

WACO, Texas – The No. 17 Wildcat women’s tennis team (9-3 overall, 1-3 Southeastern Conference) continues their spring road trip with away match number three of five. UK will meet No. 4 Baylor at the Baylor Tennis Center in a mid-week tilt on Wednesday, March 18. The match is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. ET.

This will be the first meeting between the two teams. The match with the Bears marks a break in league play. Kentucky is in the heart of conference matches, and is looking for a chance to bounce back after three consecutive losses. UK started the season with nine wins, including the programs second ever defeat of the Florida Gators.

Baylor is coming off of two wins over No. 62 Texas Tech and No. 9 UCLA. The Bears will be playing their 13th straight match against a nationally ranked team, with an 8-4 record in those meetings. They are also 5-4 against teams ranking in the top 25.

This will be Kentucky’s eighth consecutive ranked opponent, and the highest positioned team they have faced this season. The Clemson Tigers have been the highest ranked team UK has faced. The Wildcats upset No. 14 Clemson 4-3 for the second season in a row. The Cats hold a 5-3 record over ranked opponents.

Moving up in the rankings despite team losses this week were doubles partners senior Carolina Escamilla and freshman Caroline Lilley. The duo jumped from the 53rd spot to No. 29 after defeating Arkansas’ No. 18 of Nanar Airapetian and Anouk Tigu. Sophomore Megan Broderick remains the Cats’ only ranked singles players at No. 117.

Live state will be available at www.BaylorBears.com. Kentucky still has South Florida and Alabama on the road before they can return home to host Auburn.