Lady'Backs return to SEC play at lSU

BATON ROUGE, La. — The University of Arkansas’ quest for a 10th Southeastern Conference Western Division volleyball title continues Tuesday as the Lady Razorbacks travel to Louisiana State for a 7:00 p.m. match. Arkansas is coming off a pair of wins this weekend downing SEC Eastern Division foe Kentucky in five followed by a non-conference win over Valparaiso also in five. The wins improved the Lady’Backs to 9-10 overall and 6-3 in the SEC. They face an 11-8 and 3-6 in the SEC LSU team also coming off a win over Kentucky this weekend. “Every match is a big match for us,” said Arkansas head coach Chris Poole. “We are fighting for the SEC Western Division title and each match brings us a step closer to that goal.” Lone Lady’Back senior Jennifer Haaser enters the week on the heels of a huge match against Valparaiso. Haaser posted a triple double with 15 kills, 12 digs and 11 blocks in the five-game, come-from-behind win Sunday. The Fort Smith, Ark., native was aided by sophomore Kele Brewer who tallied 20 kills against Kentucky and hit better than .300 in both wins. “Our offense has struggled somewhat this year but it was much-improved this weekend. We need to continue that production and also maintain the strong block we’ve had all year. Arkansas’ block has been the team’s bread-and-butter. The Lady’Backs have posted double-digit block totals in 12 of the team’s 19 matches this year topping out with 21.5 against Valparaiso Sunday. LSU is a much-improved team from a year ago starting out the season with a 9-1 record but SEC play has been tough on the Tigers. LSU has notched wins against Kentucky, Georgia and Auburn but struggled in other matches. “LSU is always going to be tough on their home court,” said Poole. “We are going to have to focus and play well on our side of the net to win the match.” The LSU contest is not the only match for the Lady’Backs this week. Arkansas returns home hosting Alabama (16-5, 6-4 SEC) Friday followed by a Sunday match with Auburn (8-10, 2-7 SEC). For more information and tickets please call the Lady Razorback Ticket Office at 57-LBACK or log on to www.ladybacks.com.