Lady'Backs host Auburn Sunday

FAYETTEVILLE — The University of Arkansas is back in action Sunday hosting Southeastern Conference rival Auburn at 1:30 p.m., in Barnhill Arena. The Lady Razorbacks improved to 15-8 overall and 8-3 in the SEC after a hard-fought win over Western Division leader Alabama in five games Friday night. The Arkansas win evened the Lady’Backs’ record to that of the Crimson Tide, who are now also 8-3 in the SEC. The victory, the second for Arkansas over the 20-4 Tide this year, gives Arkansas the advantage as the teams fast-approach the SEC Tournament and post-season play. The Lady’Backs have won a share of 10 of 11 SEC Western Division titles, a streak they’d like to maintain, but Arkansas is also fighting for a more favorable seed in the SEC Tournament Nov. 18-20, in Tuscaloosa. "There’s a lot at stake in every match right now," said head coach Chris Poole. "There is so much more parity in the league than we’ve seen in recent years and it’s great for the sport but it makes every match a dog-fight and a must-win." The Lady’Backs host Auburn Sunday with the Tigers coming off a three-game lost at LSU on Friday. Arkansas did post a victory over Auburn on the road in the teams first meeting of the year but the Tigers forced Arkansas to four games behind 23 kills from Jennifer Amboi. Arkansas countered with 14.5 team blocks and four players in double-figures led by junior Denitza Koleva with 14 kills. The Lady’Backs are in the home stretch of the SEC season but have some big matches remaining. After hosting Auburn Sunday, Arkansas breaks from league action hosting Oral Roberts on Tuesday. It’s back to conference action with road matches at Mississippi State and Mississippi followed by a match at LSU before hosting Kentucky Nov. 13. Both teams from the Magnolia State are fighting for their SEC lives as is Auburn. LSU is a match behind Arkansas and Alabama and could sneak into the top spot should either the Lady’Backs or Crimson Tide stumble. Kentucky has surprised much of the league and finds themselves in second in the SEC Eastern Division . The Wildcats handed Arkansas a loss in Lexington earlier this year and the Lady’Backs hope to return the favor as the regular season winds down. Fans are encouraged to come dressed in their Halloween costumes for Sunday’s match which begins at 1:30 p.m. For more information about Arkansas volleyball, please log on to LADYBACKS.COM.