Arkansas volleyball improves over weekend play

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas volleyball team split the squad this weekend and learned much from both experiences. The bulk of the Lady Razorback team traveled to Houston, Texas, for the Texas Tornados Tournament where they played to a 1-3 record. Despite that mark, Arkansas head coach Chris Poole was pleased with his team’s progress in the second weekend of spring ball. “It was another good opportunity for us to play strong competition and let the team gain experience,” said Poole. “Statistically, we are playing very well in every part of the game, with the exception of our overall hitting percentage. However, we are still trying to put in a new offense and we are adjusting to the different speed and timing between Lindsay (Scanlan) and the hitters.” Junior Destiny Clark continued to play well with 13 kills and a .270 hitting percentage. Clark led the team with 17 blocks despite playing limited minutes. The Manhattan, Kan., native missed the entire 2007 season after surgery. Senior Christina Lawrence added 10 blocks and 13 kills while senior Karen Tang tallied seven for the weekend. “Overall, I was pleased with the block,” said Poole. “Destiny is playing very well and showing competitors just how good she is. Christina and Karen also played well this weekend.” Junior Kristin Seaton finished the weekend with 20 kills and hit .270 for Arkansas. “Kristin turned it up another notch this weekend,” said Poole. “Her numbers were good and this is the kind of production that we need out of our outside hitting position and this was one of the most consistent weekends for Kristin since early last fall.” Freshman Hillary McCormick added 11 kills and a team-best 2.39 passing efficiency while sophomore Heather Royal finished with 12 kills. “As Hillary improves her communication skills on the court and gains needed maturity and experience, we feel like she will continue to make huge strides,” said Poole. “Heather and Christina both struggled some with their consistency offensively, but Christina was taking on an additional back row responsibility for the first time in her career and Heather continues to lead the team in service receptions. Heather managed a 2.32 efficiency for the weekend. Phoebe Bautista and Lauren Fielding continued to split time at the libero position and both led the team with 13 digs each.” The Lady Razorbacks opened with a 2-1 (11-25, 25-22, 13-15) loss to Southern California who finished the 2007 season ranked third in the nation. Arkansas also fell to Texas, 2-1, (10-25, 25-21, 13-15) and the Longhorns ended the year at No. 6. The Lady’Backs rebounded with a 2-0 (25-23, 25-20) win over South Florida before falling to No. 21 New Mexico State, 2-0 (23-25, 21-25) The 2007 senior duo of Jessica Dorrell and Kelli Cole traveled to Gainesville, Fla., for the inaugural SEC Coaches Beach Volleyball Tournament playing to an 0-2-2 pool record. Arkansas hosts back-to-back home weekends as the spring season concludes. For more information about Arkansas volleyball, log on to LADYBACKS.COM.