Allison earns SEC Defensive Player of the Week

FAYETTEVILLE – University of Arkansas junior middle blocker Amy Allison was named Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Week for the second time this year it was announced Monday. Allison, a Jenks, Okla., native paced Arkansas to a pair of SEC wins that vaulted Arkansas to the top of the Western Division standings heading into one of the toughest road weekends. Allison hit .255 in three matches (St. Louis, Mississippi and Mississippi State) and collected 32 blocks averaging 2.91 blocks-per-game in the contests. “Amy continues to play very well at the net,” said Arkansas head coach Chris Poole. “Her blocking has made a big difference in our defense this year and it is nice to see her being recognized in the conference. We will play against the best middles in the conference this weekend (from Florida and Georgia) we will need another great effort from Amy.” Allison ranked third in the country last week in blocking averaging 1.86 bpg at that point in the season. Her numbers helped Arkansas rank 12th in the NCAA with a 3.34 mark. Allison has paced Arkansas’ blocking efforts all season and the Lady’Backs have had 17 matches with double-digit blocks this year. That was highlighted by a 21.5 team blocking effort against St. Louis last week. Allison’s award is the second of the season for the junior and the second of her career. She is also the second Lady’Back honored by the league this year as teammate Christina Lawrence was named SEC Freshman Player of the Week earlier this season. The Lady Razorbacks continue league play at No. 5 Florida Friday followed by a match at Georgia on Sunday. For more information about Arkansas volleyball, log on to LADYBACKS.COM.