Lady'Back volleyball has SEC road weekend

FAYETTEVILLE — The University of Arkansas volleyball team departs for its first Southeastern Conference road weekend traveling to Mississippi State and Alabama this weekend. Arkansas (6-6, 0-2 SEC) has its hands full with a pair of talented opponents, and opens the weekend at Mississippi State (5-7, 0-3 SEC) Friday at 7:30 p.m. The Bulldogs have lost three league matches and four consecutive contests but have been strong at home. The Lady’Backs face Alabama (6-6, 3-0 SEC) Sunday at 1:30 p.m. The Crimson Tide struggled to a 3-6 non-conference record but have wins over Tennessee, Kentucky and Mississippi State evening their record. "We have a real Jekyll and Hyde team right now," said Arkansas head coach Chris Poole. "The coaching staff is still trying to figure them out. We didn’t play well at all last Friday but played much better Sunday. We’re making a lot of unforced errors and not taking care of the ball." Arkansas matched the program’s longest losing streak with five in a row, but there are several bright spots for the young team. Senior Jessica Dorrell paced Arkansas in nearly every match this season with double-figure kill totals in all but one contest. She earned two consecutive tournament MVP honors and was selected to a third all-tournament team to start the year. The Aledo, Texas, native ranks third in the SEC with 4.29 kills per game this year. Junior Christina Lawrence also played well this year. Lawrence is second on the team for kills and has earned a pair of all-tournament team honors as well. Sophomore Kristin Seaton exceeded early season expectorations after redshirting the 2006 season with injuries suffered in an off-season accident. Along with freshman Heather Royal, Seaton played a big role for Arkansas and continue to improve with more court time. "It’s going to take everyone this weekend," said Poole. "MSU is a very good serving team and is strong at home. Alabama was picked to win the West and has several good road wins this year. This team still believes in themselves and they are fighters. Our seniors are very team-oriented and have been good examples for our younger players." This is the first of two consecutive road weekends for Arkansas. The Lady Razorbacks travel to Kentucky and Tennessee Sept. 28 and 30, respectively. Arkansas returns home hosting Georgia and Auburn to open October. For more information about Arkansas volleyball or for tickets please log on to LADYBACKS.COM or call 57-LBACK.