SEARCY, Ark. – The Harding University women's tennis program has garnered national attention in the latest Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Division II Collegiate Tennis Rankings, with two Lady Bisons earning spots in the national singles rankings and one doubles team also receiving national recognition. The ITA released its newest rankings on April 9.

Leading the way for Harding in the singles rankings is Alexia Zarate Valdez, who is slotted at No. 12. The sophomore from San Luis Potosi, Mexico, has been a consistent force for the Lady Bisons, posting an 18-9 overall record and 10-6 at dual matches, including 8-6 at No. 1 singles. Zarate Valdez has an 18.60 World Tennis Number (WTN).

Joining Zarate Valdez in the national singles rankings is teammate Karli Roux, who comes in at No. 47. The junior from Cape Town, South Africa, has also demonstrated impressive play, posting a 16-6 overall record, 12-4 in dual matches and 11-3 at No. 2 singles. Roux's WTN is 18.45.

In doubles, the Harding duo of Zarate Valdez and Roux have earned a national ranking of No. 40. The duo is 13-9 overall, 10-7 in dual matches and 10-7 at No. 1 doubles. Zarate Valdez and Roux have won their last five matches together.

The national ITA rankings are a prominent indicator of individual and team success in college tennis, based on match results and strength of schedule.

The Lady Bisons enter the weekend with an 8-10 overall record and 1-1 mark in the Great American Conference. They host Southern Arkansas in conference play Friday at 2 p.m.