Pulliza Razorbacks open at home

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas and head coach Robert Pulliza open the home 2008 volleyball season Wednesday hosting Tulsa in Barnhill Arena at 6 p.m.

Arkansas (1-5) got its first win of the year Sunday and, after six road matches, Pulliza is ready to be at home.

“It was great to get the first win under our belts,” he said. “The team showed some really good character against some good non-conference opponents. It’s good to finally be at home. Tulsa is a good team from just down the road so it makes for a good rivalry.”

Arkansas has used a balanced attack all season but junior Destiny Clark stepped up big for the Razorbacks in Atlanta, Ga., last weekend. Clark hit .333 facing two ranked opponents in three matches.

“I was very impressed by Destiny last weekend,” said Pulliza. “She had a great week in practice and it carried over into the matches. I’m looking forward to her continuing to play at that level.”

Arkansas has been without the services of its leading hitter from a year ago in senior Christina Lawrence. Lawrence has been sidelined with an abdominal strain and is still listed as day-to-day.

As a result, the Razorbacks have used three different starting lineups and everyone has played in most of the matches.

“This is a great group of kids,” said Pulliza. “We’ve thrown a lot at them and they are trying to absorb it all and play at the same time. They are doing a good job of staying focused and working hard.”

Arkansas is looking for that hard work to pay off on this busy week. In addition to the home match with Tulsa Wednesday, the Razorbacks host the Arkansas Invitational Friday and Saturday with matches at noon, 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Friday and noon, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday.

For more information about Arkansas volleyball, please log on to ArkansasRazorbacks.com.