Arkansas hosts No. 7 Florida as SEC action continues

FAYETTEVILLE — The University of Arkansas continues Southeastern Conference play hosting seventh-ranked Florida Sunday in Barnhill Arena. Arkansas is in the midst of a five-match SEC winning streak that has run their record to 15-8 overall and 8-7 in the SEC. Florida, winners of 13 in a row, is 21-2 overall and 14-1 in the SEC. "Florida is a great team," said Arkansas head coach Chris Poole. "They are very athletic, well-coached and have a tradition and confidence in winning. I thought we played them well at their place and I hope we can turn it up a notch here." The Lady Razorbacks suffered a three-game loss in Gainesville, Fla., earlier this year in a match that was held in connection with Florida’s first men’s and women’s basketball practices. The combination event drew more than 5,500 fans for the televised match. "It was a great atmosphere," said Poole. "I hope we can get the same kind of response here and that our fans will come out and watch a great volleyball match." Arkansas’ start to the SEC season was sluggish as the Lady’Backs were 3-7 the first time through the schedule. The team and coaching staff have refocused on this "new" season with the final 10 matches as they meet all the league teams for the second time this year. "The girls have really bought into this ‘second season’ concept," said Poole. "They are very focused on the final 10 matches and we’re a perfect 5-0 to start that. We have five matches remaining and none of them will be easy. We still have hopes of an NCAA Tournament appearance but we have a lot of work to do to get there." Seniors Amy Allison, Kele Brewer and Denitza Koleva have been among the team leaders much of the season Koleva paced Arkansas’ Friday night win with 20 kills and 15 digs while Allison added 13 kills and a match-best 10 blocks. Brewer tallied 10 kills and 13 digs in the win for Arkansas. In addition, sophomore Christina Lawrence put together a solid performance with 12 kills in the win. "We’ve really come together as a team," said Poole. "If one player is having an off night, others are able to pick her up. We’re also doing a much better job of pushing until the last point. That’s been the difference in these last five matches." Tickets for Sunday’s 1:30 p.m. match are still available. Fans can get tickets at the door the day of the match or on-line at LADYBACKS.COM.