The Basics
Oklahoma State’s men’s tennis team (2-0 overall; 0-0 Big 12) is set for it’s first road test of the season against the Arkansas Razorbacks (0-0 overall; 0-0 SEC) on Monday at 1 p.m. in Fayetteville.
Following the Action
Monday’s match can be viewed at this link: arkansasrazorbacks.com/arkansas-tennis-playsight/. Fans can also follow along with live stats at http://www.statbroadcast.com/events/statmonitr.php?gid=ark.
In the Rankings
Oklahoma State is not ranked in the ITA Division I Rankings. Arkansas is also unranked. Junior Tyler Zink was featured in the ITA preseason rankings at No. 30 as of September 8th. Arkansas’ Aleska Bucan checked into the ITA Division I Singles Rankings at No. 25. Adrian Burdet and Melvin Manuel were also featured at No. 36 in the ITA double’s rankings as of December 8th.
Series History
Oklahoma State holds an 19-15 record against the Razorbacks. The last time the two teams met in Stillwater dates back to the 2020-21 season, where a closely contested match went the way of the Pokes, 4-3. The last meeting during the 2017-18 season landed in OSU’s favor, 5-2. This will mark the 34th meeting between the two teams.
Oklahoma State from a Distance
Oklahoma State is battle-ready after its undefeated debut at home under the direction of head coach Dustin Taylor. OSU’s spring slate is filled with a competitive schedule full of opportunities for the new class of Cowboys. OSU made program history for the 2021-22 season and began a chapter like no other with nine new faces and one veteran that fill the roster. Luke Hammond highlights the new season as the only returner from the 2020-21 season. Hammond leads a class of three freshmen, three sophomores and three juniors. Notably, six of the new faces head coach Dustin Taylor recruited are transfers from Power Five schools.
The biggest storyline has been Tyler Zink who earned a main draw wild card at the U.S. Open. The two-time All-American finished the 2021 season with a final ITA ranking of No. 8 in doubles at the University of Georgia. Zink also had a run in the ITA All-American Championships as well as individual tournaments throughout his fall campaign. The junior also found himself ranked among the nation’s best by the ITA Preseason ranking at No. 30.
Accompanied by Taylor is assistant coach Dane Webb. During his collegiate career at the University of Oklahoma, Webb was a three-time All-American, and the most decorated Sooner in the program with a total of 212 during his run. The tandem holds skill that will lead the program to navigate a successful spring.
Streaks and Trends
• OSU is 19-15 against Arkansas, dating back to 1970.
• OSU has won the last 14 consecutive matches against Arkansas.
An Oklahoma State Win Would…
• Extend head coach Dustin Taylor‘s record to 3-0 for his first season at OSU.
• Make head coach Dustin Taylor 1-0 on the road for his first season at OSU.
• Make it 20-15 all-time vs. Arkansas.