Crose honored by Southeastern Conference

FAYETTEVILLE — University of Arkansas junior Karla Crose earned Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors Monday. A middle blocker from Lincoln, Neb., Crose paced the Lady Razorbacks to a pair of SEC wins this weekend over Mississippi and Mississippi State helping Arkansas regain the lead in the Western Division. Crose posted a career-best 12 blocks against the Rebels and added eight versus the Bulldogs. She also contributed 20 digs for the weekend. "This is a great honor for Karla," said Arkansas head coach Chris Poole. "Things are really starting to click for us on the court right now and Karla has been a part of that. Our defense has been pretty tough all year. Our blocking has always been solid and we are digging and passing much better this year. Our hitting percentage is not yet where we would like it but we continue to improve in that area as well." The honor is the first for Crose in her career with the Lady’Backs and the first for Arkansas this season. Crose moved into the top spot in the conference in SEC only matches leading the league with 2.13 blocks per game this week. She has recorded four block solos and 28 block assists in SEC matches. Crose ranks fourth in all matches averaging 1.28 bpg. "I’m excited that I got the chance to step up as a leader this week and help propel the team to the next level, and it’s nice to be recognized for my play," said Crose. "I was really happy with the way that everybody stepped up and played this weekend and I think we’re improving a lot each day that we go out and play. This next weekend will be important for us, so I hope that we can keep playing at this high level throughout the weekend and the rest of the season." The Lady Razorbacks lead the SEC in conference only matches averaging 3.63 bpg with 13 block solos and 83 block assists through four matches. Arkansas also ranks first in the SEC in digs with an 18.20 dpg average marking one of the few times the Lady’Backs have been in the lead in the program’s history. Crose is in her second season on the court with the Lady’Backs after redshirting following a transfer from Indiana in 2002. She has recorded 27 kills, six assists, four aces, 35 digs and 32 blocks while scoring 49 points for Arkansas this season. The Lady Razorbacks return to the court at Auburn Friday, Oct. 8, followed by a match at Alabama, Sunday, Oct. 10. For more information about Arkansas volleyball log on to www.ladybacks.com.