Dorrell Lawrence lead Arkansas to three-game win at Virginia

Jump to Virginia box FAYETTEVILLE – The University of Arkansas volleyball team notched a three-game road win over Virginia at the Jefferson Cup Invitational in Charlottesville, Va., Friday. Arkansas made it four in a row with the 30-27, 31-29, 30-25 victory improving to 4-1 on the year. The Lady’Backs were paced by senior Jessica Dorrell who led the team with 13 kills while junior Christina Lawrence added nine kills and hit a team-best .412 in the match. Arkansas faces Temple in the morning match and wraps up tournament play with Norfolk State in the afternoon match. Arkansas led game one from the opening serve – an ace from freshman Heather Royal and never trailed in the game. Virginia did keep the contest close tying the score on three difference occasions but the steady Arkansas offense came through. It’s always great to get a road win against a quality opponent,” noted Arkansas head coach Chris Poole. “We didn’t play great but we were steady and took advantage of whatever Virginia gave us. I’m glad to get out of the match with a three-game win.” Game two was a bit more back-and-forth to start the frame. Arkansas grabbed the lead at 10-9 and opened as much as a five-point lead. Virginia played well on its home court however, scratching its way back into the contest to tie the score at 29. Arkansas grabbed the momentum and the win with a kill from Lawrence and a big game-ending block from sophomores Catherine Fowler and Kristin Seaton. Fowler paced Arkansas with six blocks in the match. Arkansas again played with Virginia through the first 10 points of the final frame before capturing the lead at 10-9 and cruising to the third frame win. Virginia challenged Arkansas closing within three but couldn’t overcome the defense of the Lady’Backs. “It was a hard-fought match,” said Poole. “We had control mid-way through in all three games but Virginia just kept fighting to stay with us. The difference in this year and last was that we were able to put the games away. It’s great to see that kind of maturity and fight this early in the season and with a young team. I thought we had very good balance with the offense and Catherine and Sarah did a good job in the middle. We also got good play with our serves and passing. This match will mean a lot at the end of the season. Virginia had a good year last year and is again expected to finish well in their conference. We have two big matches Saturday and we want to come out and take care of business.”