KU to Open League Play Wednesday at Kansas State
March 3, 2008
<?xml:namespace prefix=”st1″ ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags”?>LAWRENCE, Kan. – After playing eight non-conference matches to start its season, the University of Kansas will open up Big 12 play on Wednesday afternoon when it travels to Manhattan to take on in-state rival KansasState. <?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>
The dual between the Jayhawks and the 70th-ranked Wildcats is set to begin at 2 p.m.
Kansas enters the contest on the heals of a disappointing 7-0 loss at BYU on Sunday, which dropped its record to 3-5. Junior Edina Horvath, who had lost only one singles match and one doubles contest all season, fell in both of her matchups against the Cougars, who won each of the three doubles and all six singles matches.
Despite the struggles on Sunday, however, the Jayhawks open league play with optimism. Horvath leads the team with a 6-2 singles record, while her and senior Elizaveta Avdeeva pace the Jayhawks with a 6-2 mark in the No. 1 doubles position. After beginning the season 0-2, KU has won three of its past six outings.
KU’s non-conference slate was a challenging one, featuring duals with five currently-ranked teams. Starting with its match with K-State, Kansas will face three straight foes currently appearing in the national rankings.
The Wildcats enter Wednesday with a record of 4-3. However, after opening the season 4-0, KSU has dropped three straight, albeit all against ranked competition. Wednesday will be KansasState’s Big 12 opener as well.
Last season, KU fell to the Wildcats, 5-2, on April 11 in Lawrence. The Jayhawks got singles wins from Yuliana Svistun and Kunigunda Dorn and a doubles victory from Dorn and Lauren Hommell.
Overall, Kansas holds a commanding 38-7 all-time lead in the series, but has dropped three straight.
Check back with kuathletics.com on Wednesday for live updates from Manhattan.
