Arkansas volleyball travels to Auburn Friday
FAYETTEVILLE — The University of Arkansas volleyball team hits the road to Auburn for the Southeastern Conference Match of the Week against the Tigers Friday.
Arkansas (10-16 overall, 4-12 SEC) and the Tigers (11-16 overall, 3-13 SEC) meet in a 7:00 p.m. central match that can be heard live in the Northwest Arkansas area on KXUA, 88.3 FM and on the internet at LADYBACKS.COM.
"This has been a challenging year with all the injuries and youth, however, the team has continued to play competitively in most games," said Arkansas head coach Chris Poole. "We are in a very unique position for both the program and for me as a coach. We can’t finish over .500 for the year and there is no chance for the post season. Despite that, we still have a lot to play for. Not only is pride a factor, we are playing to get better for the next match and for next year."
Arkansas has battled many of its own demons this year. Unforced errors on offense and defense as well as untimely mistakes at critical junctures of games have cost Arkansas in the win-loss column.
The Lady’Backs have had several bright spots for the season including a win over a top 25 team this year. In addition, senior Jessica Dorrell became the 12th player in Lady Razorback history to reach the 1,000 kill plateau and currently is in the 10th spot.
Senior libero Ashley Miller is the Arkansas’ record-holder for digs and is fast-approaching the SEC career digs mark. Miller needs just 33 more digs to tie the record.
The Lady Razorbacks enter the weekend on the down side of the season with just five matches remaining. In addition to the two road SEC matches, Arkansas returns home hosting Tennessee Nov. 16; Kentucky Nov. 18 and non-conference Connecticut Nov. 24 in Barnhill. Kentucky’s match is a 1:00 p.m. start time and is also senior day.
"Georgia and Auburn are both pretty good teams," said Poole of this weekend’s opponents. "This is the most parity there has ever been in the SEC. Auburn will be especially strong with four seniors starting."
For more information about Arkansas volleyball, log on to LADYBACKS.COM.
