Lady'Backs host Mississippi State Friday

FAYETTEVILLE — The University of Arkansas volleyball team is in the midst of a five-match home stand hosting Mississippi State and Ole Miss this weekend. Arkansas’ weekend begins with a 7:00 p.m., match with Mississippi State Friday, followed by Sunday’s 1:00 p.m. contest with the Lady Rebels. "We picked up a pair of impressive wins last weekend and we’re back in the running in the SEC," said Arkansas head coach Chris Poole. "These matches this weekend are equally important as we are getting into the heart of the schedule. We know that we’re going to have to pass well and serve well ourselves against both of these teams this weekend." The Lady Razorbacks enter the weekend with a 9-3 record and a 2-2 mark in Southeastern Conference play taking on a Mississippi State team that is 10-4 overall and 1-3 in the league. The Bulldogs out-rank Arkansas in several statistical categories including hitting percentage, assists, kills and service aces but Arkansas’ defensive strengths in digging and blocking along with the balanced offense should provide a good match up. Redshirt freshman paced the defense for Arkansas last weekend against Georgia and South Carolina earning SEC Freshman of the Week honors. "Destiny is playing really well right now," said Poole. "It really seemed like she was involved in a lot of the offense and her energy level in both matches was a difference-maker. She got some matches under her belt now and is really coming out of her shell." In addition to Clark’s defense, Arkansas will rely on the offense of seniors Kele Brewer and Denitza Koleva along with junior Jessica Dorrell and sophomore Christina Lawrence. Koleva leads Arkansas with 164 kills and 3.67 kills per game this year. Clark (.343), Lawrence (.286) and senior Amy Allison (.265) lead the team in hitting percentage with Lawrence improving with each match. The Lady’Backs continue the home stand hosting Mississippi (9-5, 1-3 SEC) Sunday. The Lady Rebels upset Kentucky in Oxford, Miss., last weekend. "Mississippi is coming off an inspired win last week and they’re feeling like they can play with anyone," said Poole. "The SEC is so even this year, that anything is possible. Both of these teams are good ball control teams and they serve well. We have to use our strengths, our block and our physicality, against them. We’re also going to have to try and serve well to take them out of their offense." The Lady Razorbacks remain at home for one more hosting No. 13 LSU in a mid-week match Wednesday, Oct. 4, at 7:00 p.m. For more information about Arkansas volleyball and for tickets, please call the Lady Razorback Ticket Office at 57-LBACK or log on to LADYBACKS.COM.