TEMPE, Ariz. – An 8-1 record with back-to-back wins has propelled sixth-year head coach
Greg Owen's Mulerider Women to the No. 15 ranking nationally as SAU jumped seven spots in the latest poll to continue its program-best climb. Additionally, in the initial spring rankings for singles and doubles action nationwide, the Muleriders'
Annika Berrendorf and
Greta Wallin debut at No. 10 in doubles play following a 6-2 start which includes a five-match winning streak entering the weekend.
The Muleriders are coming off a 2-1 weekend in Midlothian, Texas where they picked up wins over Western New Mexico and Emporia State, but also suffered their first loss of the season in a tight 4-3 decision to Lubbock Christian which is ranked No. 7 nationally in latest rankings. Four of SAU's nine matches this season have been decided at 4-3 with the first three ending in favor of the Muleriders.
Southern Arkansas prepares for two matches in Henryetta, Oklahoma this weekend taking on Arkansas-Fort Smith (1-5) on Saturday and Newman (6-3) on Sunday. Following matches No. 10 and 11 on the season, the Muleriders stare down ranked opposition at home in Magnolia in #25 Northwest Missouri (3/12) and #29 Missouri Western (3/13).
Berrendorf and
Amelie Gindl, both of who have been named Great American Conference Players of the Week, have each won seven times in singles play this spring with the latter on a seven-match win streak.
Josie Holderbach is 6-0 in singles action and
Roksana Kokocha is 3-1 at No. 6. In doubles play, Berrendorf and Wallin have defeated the current No. 11 (UTT), No. 12 (DBU) and No. 38 (STMU) doubles teams this season with their only losses to the current No. 19 (ASU) and No. 31 (MC) doubles teams. Gindl and
Lisa Lochter are 3-1 at No. 3. Gindl is 4-0 in doubles with partner Holderbach.
