On Friday afternoon, the Rebels took on Georgia, putting their undefeated streak on the line, and came up short 4-0.
Zalina Khairudinova returns a backhand in her singles match against Georgia Saturday. (Photo by: Evan Turner)
Ole Miss started off hot, winning the first doubles point as Natalie Suk and Tea Jandric won the first doubles match. Unfortunately for the Rebels, they would not be able to garner wins in either remaining doubles matches, giving Georgia the 1-0 match lead and a lot of momentum.
Things did not get any better for the Rebels as they fell in straight matches to the Bulldogs. Arianne Hartono dropped her match to Ellen Perez at No. 1 singles, and the Rebels were never able to recover.
On Sunday, the Rebels were able to get back on the court and brush off the loss as they defeated Tennessee 4-1.
The Rebels dominated the match, winning the doubles point 2-0. Suk and Jandric won 6-1 and Zalina Khairudinova and Marija Milutinovic won 6-3.
The Rebels took the momentum into the singles portion of the match, winning that 3-1.
Eve Repic and Khairudinova especially dominated singles for Ole Miss. Repic won 6-1, 6-3 and Khariudinova won 6-3, 6-1.
The Rebels will get back into action this Friday as they take on LSU in Baton Rouge before hitting the road again to take on Texas A&M in College Station.
Men’s Tennis splits opening SEC Weekend
Ole Miss opened the SEC slate last weekend, taking on the Tennessee Volunteers and winning 5-2. The Rebels started off losing the doubles point 2-1, but were able to rebound quickly.
Ole Miss dominated the singles portion of the match, winning five of the six matches. Stefan Lindmark dominated Luis Valero in the first set before finishing him off 7-6 after winning a tie breaker. Zvonimir Babic was also dominant as he defeated Jack Heslin from Tennessee 6-1, 6-2.
The Rebels took their 1-0 SEC record to Kentucky on Sunday, where the fell short to the Wildcats in a close 4-3 match.
Ole Miss was able to garner the doubles point winning 2-1, but weren’t able to take advantage in the singles matches.
The Rebels dropped the first three singles matches of the day, putting them in a 3-1 hole. Ole Miss responded, however, and Babic and Grey Hamilton were able to come out victorious; however, the Rebels lost at No. 2 singles in a tiebreaker to give the Wildcats the victory.
The Rebels will return home this weekend to take on LSU and Texas A&M on Friday and Sunday, respectively.
– Collin Brister
