Lady'Backs host C&C Services Invitational

FAYETTEVILLE — The University of Arkansas volleyball team hosts the C&C Services Invitational Friday and Saturday welcoming Kansas State and Utah State to Barnhill Arena. The tournament, facing an amended schedule after Nicholls State, located in Thibodeaux, La., was unable to attend due to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Tournament action begins at 11:00 a.m. Friday, when Kansas State faces Utah State. Arkansas hosts K-State in the evening match at 6:00 p.m. Play concludes with a single match Saturday as the Lady Razorbacks host Utah State at 11:00 a.m. "We are very excited to be at home for a second straight weekend," said Arkansas head coach Chris Poole. "Of course, we are saddened by the loss of Nicholls State and wish everyone in the affected areas only the best." The Lady’Backs are coming off one of the best starts in recent memory winning the Arkansas Invitational last weekend. Poole’s squad is a perfect 3-0 and put four players on the all-tournament team including capturing MVP honors behind a career weekend from junior Amy Allison. The level of competition, however, increases this weekend and all of the matches could have long term consequences. "This is a chance to play some teams outside our conference and region," said Poole. "Utah State and Kansas State are both important in terms of national recognition and NCAA appearances. Kansas State is probably our biggest non-conference match of the season. We are putting a lot of emphasis on it and hopefully our team will get up for that match." Kansas State and Utah State both had solid opening weekends and enter Barnhill with undefeated records. The Wildcats are 3-0 with wins over UALR, Saint Louis and Missouri State – team the Lady’Backs face next week. The Aggies are 4-0 after winning the Hurricane Invitational hosted by Tulsa. While Arkansas will have its hands full with better competition this weekend, the Lady Razorbacks are pleased with their start and are looking forward to testing themselves this weekend. "We were very balanced last weekend," said Poole. "We spread the offense out and I really have to give credit to both setters form getting all of the hitters involved. We know both teams are very good and we know that a quality win is important. We have to take advantage of every opportunity and keep moving in the right direction." The tournament will be the last chance for fans to see the Lady’Backs for a couple weeks as Arkansas travels to Missouri State and San Diego, Calif., as the season continues. For more information or tickets to Lady Razorback volleyball please call the ticket office at 57-LBACK or log on to LADYBACKS.COM.