Freudenrich ranks in national blocking numbers

FAYETTEVILLE — University of Arkansas freshman Sarah Freudenrich finds herself ranked in the top 20 in the nation in blocking this week.

Freudenrich, a 6-4 middle blocker from Broken Arrow, Okla., was unexpectedly thrown into Arkansas’ starting lineup this year after injuries to other players.

She posted nine kills, hit .500 and had four total blocks in that first match and has been improving each time she plays.

"Sarah is gaining confidence every time she plays," said Arkansas head coach Chris Poole. "She looked like a deer in the headlights in that first match but has made really good improvement over the year. Sarah continues to become more of an offensive weapon for us with each match. She’s a hard worker and a great kid and it’s great to watch her get better each week."

Her improvement is evident this week as Freudenrich ranks tied for 18th in the country in blocking. The stats, through Oct. 21, have Freudenrich with 83 games played, 21 block solos, 104 block assists and 125 total blocks for a 1.51 blocks per game average.

Freudenrich’s 21 block solos are an impressive number in their own right. That mark ranks Freudenrich tied for 13th all-time on the Arkansas career lists in just her first season of play. Her block assists and total blocks rank just outside the career top 20 at Arkansas.

The freshman’s 1.51 blocks per game ranks fifth for a single-season total and would rank first all-time in the career numbers but Freudenrich’s career is far from finished.

Freudenrich’s numbers are good enough to rank second in the Southeastern Conference in all matches. She trails Kentucky’s Queen Nzenwa who leads the SEC and is ninth in the nation with a 1.59 block per game average that includes 20 solos and 120 assists in 88 games.

In SEC only matches, Freudenrich can find her name at top of the list averaging 1.64 blocks per game with 11 solos and 63 assists in 45 league games.

Freudenrich has several chances to add to her numbers beginning this weekend as the Lady Razorbacks hosts Alabama and Mississippi State in SEC action.

The Lady’Backs host Alabama Friday at 7:00 p.m. followed by a 1:30 p.m. match Sunday against the Bulldogs. Tickets are still available. For more information call the Razorback Ticket Office at 57-LBACK.