Lady'Backs dominate Carolina in three game win

Jump to South Carolina box score COLUMBIA, S.C. – The University of Arkansas needed just three quick games to take care of South Carolina in Southeastern Conference volleyball action from Columbia, S.C., Friday. Arkansas improved to 13-8 overall and 6-7 in the SEC with the 30-23, 30-24, 30-24 win over South Carolina who fell to 12-12 overall and 5-8 in the league. Arkansas began the match under duress after losing senior outside hitter Kele Brewer who was injured in the morning workout. So the Lady’Backs started yet another new lineup pressing freshman Catherine Folwer into the starting rotation and adjusting several other players. The game plan worked with Arkansas using a dominating serve and balanced attack with several players contributing to the win. “I’m really proud of Catherine and really of the entire team,” said Arkansas head coach Chris Poole. “I thought the whole team stepped up in Kele’s absence. Catherine played inspired and it was great that she was able to get out and play as well as she did.” Senior Denitza Koleva lead the team’s offense with an Arkansas’ best 19 kills and added 11 digs in the win. She was the lone Lady’Back in double figures. Arkansas got eight kills from sophomore Christina Lawrence and eight from senior Amy Allison who hit .571 with two blocks. Folwer added five kills, hit .667 and had three blocks while Jessica Dorrell recorded six kills and Destiny Clark four in the victory. Arkansas didn’t play statistically well in the opening game but dominated the scoring in an easy 30-23 win. The Lady’Backs blasted out of the gates and opened an eight point, 13-5, lead and, although Carolina made a run, Arkansas’ win was never in doubt. Koleva joined Lawrence and Allison each had four kills in the first game but Arkansas hit just .195 in the frame. The second game saw Carolina take the early lead but Arkansas rallied sneaking ahead, 7-5, and forcing a Gamecock timeout. Arkansas allowed SC to stay close for a couple points but pulled away at the 10-point mark and never looked back. It was a much better statistical performance for the Lady’Backs in game two as Arkansas hit .400 in the frame with 19 kills behind seven from Koleva. Fowler came to life with three kills and a couple blocks in the second frame win. Carolina managed to swing the momentum in their direction in the third game but Arkansas’ players seemed calm and controlled despite the early deficit. Trailing 5-2, the Lady’Backs chipped back at the score tying the game at five and took the 6-5 lead on a Carolina ball handling error. The teams traded points until the Lady’Backs put together a 4-0 run for the 12-8 lead that they would not surrender. Arkansas continues SEC action at Georgia Sunday in a 2:00 p.m. match. For more information about Arkansas volleyball, log on to LADYBACKS.COM.