Lady'Backs look to regroup at South Carolina

COLUMBIA, SC – The University of Arkansas volleyball team is hoping to return to the win column Sunday as Southeastern Conference action continues at South Carolina. Arkansas, 13-11 overall and 9-4 in the league, is coming off a tough near-miss loss at No. 15 Tennessee and Friday and faces a streaky Gamecock team on their home floor. The Lady’Backs are playing good volleyball right now and, despite the loss at Tennessee, enter Carolina with a lot of momentum. “We played a great match at Tennessee,” said Arkansas head coach Chris Poole. “We left it all on the floor, physically and emotionally, and I was very proud of the team. Now, we have to regroup and continue that high level of play at South Carolina. They’re going to have a good crowd and the match is on TV so they’ll have the home court advantage.” The Lady Razorbacks would clinch their 10th SEC Western Division title in 11 seasons with a victory at South Carolina. In addition a win would help Arkansas maintain a hold on the third seed for the upcoming conference tournament Nov. 19-21. Arkansas enters the match having won 11 of its last 14 matches thanks in part to the toughest block in the SEC. Arkansas has recorded double-digit block sin 17 matches this year including seven in a row. The Lady’Backs posted a season-best 21.5 against non-conference foe Valparaiso Oct. 24 and had 15.0 Friday at No. 15 Tennessee. “The block has again been big for us,” agreed Poole. “Our defense has given us opportunities to win matches.” Sunday’s match can be heard in the Fayetteville area on 88.3 FM and on the internet at www.ladybacks.com. In addition, the match is this week’s SEC-TV match of the week and airs live on FSN, FOX Sports Net South beginning at noon Central.