Late-Set Rallies Push Razorbacks to Sweep
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas volleyball team saved five set points Friday evening including three in the third to complete a sweep of Butler on day one of the Arkansas Classic. Sophomore Logan Brown led the Razorbacks with nine kills and senior libero Okiana Valle picked up a match-high 14 digs. With the win, Arkansas improves to 4-2 overall.
The Razorbacks return to their home floor Saturday for a pair of matches, beginning with a 12 p.m. (CT) date against Buffalo before closing out the weekend against Northwestern at 7 p.m.
FINAL
Arkansas 3, Butler 0 | Box Score
Attendance: 455 | Time: 1:25
Barnhill Arena (Fayetteville, Ark.)
#RazorStats
• Stat leaders vs Butler
o Kills: Logan Brown – 9
o Digs: Okiana Valle – 14
o Blocks: Three w/ 2.0 each
• First meeting between programs since the 1999 season
With a 2-0 match lead but facing a 24-21 deficit in the third set, Arkansas rattled off the final five points to secure the straight-set victory. Freshman Lauren Evans had two service aces during the run and sophomore Elizabeth Pamphile put down her eighth kill of the night to cap the match-winning rally. In a similar fashion, the Razorbacks saved two set points in the second and scored the last four points of the frame including the final kill—again—by Pamphile.
Junior co-captain Rachel Rippee registered 35 assists, six digs, two kills and two total blocks against Butler (1-6). From the service line, Evans tied her season high with three aces. Sophomore Hailey Dirrigl collected a career-best 10 digs coupled with eight kills.
Arkansas jumped out to a quick match lead behind a scorching offensive display in the first, posting a .500 hitting percentage with just one attack error in the opening frame. The Razorbacks now own a 4-1 advantage in the all-time series with Butler. Friday’s match was the first meeting between the two programs since 1999.
2018 Arkansas Classic
Friday Results:
Match 1: Northwestern def. Buffalo, 3-1
Match 2: Arkansas def. Butler, 3-0
Saturday Schedule:
Match 3: Butler vs Northwestern – 10 a.m.
Match 4: Arkansas vs Buffalo – 12 p.m.
Match 5: Buffalo vs Butler – 5 p.m.
Match 6: Arkansas vs Northwestern – 7 p.m.
For more information about Arkansas volleyball, follow @RazorbackVB on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
