SEARCY, Ark. – Following a historic week on the courts, the Harding women's tennis team saw its stars reach new heights in the latest ITA Division II National Rankings released Wednesday.

The Lady Bisons now boast top-40 national representatives in both singles and doubles as they prepare for a challenging two-match road swing through the Gulf South Conference.

Roux, Coffman Among Nation's Elite

Senior Karli Roux moved up to No. 39 in the national singles rankings. The jump comes on the heels of her monumental straight-sets victory over then-No. 6 Carlota Verdu of West Florida. Roux remains the highest-ranked singles player in the Great American Conference and one of only two GAC players in the national top 50.

In doubles, the tandem of Roux and freshman Brooke Coffman surged to No. 5 in the nation. The duo has put together a stellar 14-6 record this season, including multiple wins over nationally ranked opponents. Their No. 5 ranking is the highest for a Harding doubles pair in the NCAA era.

Top-10 Test Awaits

The Lady Bisons (3-8) will put those rankings to the test immediately as they travel to Clinton, Mississippi, to face No. 6 Mississippi College on Thursday.

The Choctaws (16-0) represent one of the toughest challenges in the country, featuring the No. 4-ranked singles player in Emily Buchanan. The matchup at No. 1 singles between Roux and Buchanan is expected to be one of the premier individual bouts in Division II this week. Additionally, the match will feature a top-five doubles showdown, as Harding's No. 5-ranked pair faces MC's No. 4-ranked duo of Buchanan and Ann Cabot Stockett.

Weekend Schedule

Harding's spring break road trip continues through the following matches:

• Thursday, March 26: at #6 Mississippi College – 11:00 a.m. (Clinton, Miss.)

• Friday, March 27: at Delta State – 12:00 p.m. (Cleveland, Miss.)