Lady'Backs host Georgia as SEC action continues

FAYETTEVILLE — The University of Arkansas volleyball team returns to the court and Southeastern Conference action hosting Eastern Division rival Georgia in a 1:30 p.m., match in Barnhill Arena Sunday. Arkansas’ woes continued as the Lady’Backs suffered a 3-1 setback to No. 5 Florida Friday dropping their record to 2-8 overall and 0-1 in the SEC. Georgia also lost, falling in three games at LSU Friday running the Bulldogs’ record to 7-3 overall and 0-1 in the league. "The SEC is much-improved this year," said Arkansas head coach Chris Poole. "Everyone is better and that’s exciting. But that also means we’re going to have to step up our level of play to be competitive. Anything can happen in the SEC this year," Arkansas, despite its record, has been successful recently. The Lady’Backs’ last two matches have been against top 10 teams, falling to No. 9 Illinois and No. 5 Florida in back-to-back matches. The Lady’Backs have significantly improved the team’s blocking effort in recent matches and Arkansas’ dig totals are among the highest they’ve been. "We’re doing a lot of things right," said Poole. "The area that needs the most improvement right now is our hitting. Our hitters and setters just aren’t connecting yet but even that gets better with each match." The Lady’Backs are hitting just .128 as a team paced by senior Jennifer Haaser with 123 kills and a .233 hitting percentage. Arkansas is in the midst of the longest home stand of the year with SEC action continuing next weekend when the Lady’Backs welcome Mississippi Oct. 1 and Mississippi State Oct. 3. For more information and tickets please call the Lady Razorback Ticket Office at 57-LBACK or log on to www.ladybacks.com.