Jayhawks to Host No. 43 Iowa on Thursday

March 18, 2008

<?xml:namespace prefix=”st1″ ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags”?>LAWRENCE, Kan. – In its final non-conference dual of the season, the University of Kansas will play host to No. 43 Iowa on Thursday. The contest is set to begin at noon at First Serve.<?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>

KU enters the match with a record of 5-7 (1-2) after disappointing losses at Colorado and upstart Missouri last week. However, the Jayhawks were without junior Yuliana Svistun, who had been playing well recently in the No. 5 singles position. The Ufa, Russia native was able to compete in doubles action, but could not go in singles.

Despite the difficult week, Kansas is still in the midst of a season that has produced numerous highlights. Leading KU so far has been junior Edina Horvath, who is a team-best 8-4 in singles action in dual play. The Budapest, Hungary, native also competes with senior Elizaveta Avdeeva to make up the Jayhawks’ No. 1 doubles tandem, which also boasts a dual record of 8-4.

Also a bright mark for KU has been the surprising play of freshman Magdalena Tokarczyk, who, despite joining the team only a few weeks prior to the start of dual play, has taken the No. 1 singles position, where she is currently 6-5.

The Hawkeyes come in with an 8-1 record, including wins over currently-ranked foes Minnesota and DePaul. Iowa suffered its first loss of the season on March 9 at No. 21 Denver, 6-1. Prior to traveling to Lawrence, Iowa will play KansasState on Wednesday in Manhattan.

Check back with kuathletics.com on Thursday for live updates from First Serve.