Hurricane forces schedule change

Jump to schedule FAYETTEVILLE — The schedule for the University of Arkansas volleyball team’s C&C Services Invitational will change as Nicholls State is unable to participate due to the ongoing impact of Hurricane Katrina. Originally scheduled to face Arkansas on Friday, Sept. 2, at noon, the loss of the Lady Colonels due to Katrina creates a new schedule. "Well, obviously this is a very trying time for all of the people who are affected by the hurricane," said Arkansas head coach Chris Poole. "We’re disappointed that we won’t have the opportunity to face Nicholls State and we send our thoughts and prayers out to Coach Chris Laird, his players and all of those affected by this tragedy." Located in Thibodeaux, La., NSU’s departure leaves Arkansas to open the C&C Services invitational with Kansas State at 6:00 p.m., Friday. "At this point, we are trying to accommodate the other teams and our fans," said Poole. "We still have three quality teams and there should be some exciting volleyball in Barnhill this weekend." The remaining teams, Utah State and Kansas State, are still slated to attend this weekend but the tri-tournament will face an amended schedule. Tournament action opens with Kansas State facing Utah State at 11:00 a.m., in Barnhill Arena. Arkansas hosts the Wildcats in a 6:00 p.m. match Friday evening. The Arkansas match is an hour early than originally scheduled. The C&C Services Invitational will feature just one match Saturday as Arkansas takes on Utah State at 11:00 a.m., also a time change from the previous schedule. Fans will also be able to make a contribution to the disaster relief effort at the C&C Invitational. Cash donations will go directly to the Northwest Arkansas chapter of the American Red Cross. "Your financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster relief fund will help those affected by this and thousands of other disasters in the United States this year," said Jody Dilday, Director of Development of Northwest Arkansas chapter of the American Red Cross. Collection bins for financial donations will be available at the doors of Barnhill Arena.