Razorbacks volleyball plays first of four spring events

FAYETTEVILLE – The University of Arkansas volleyball team opens the 2008 spring season with a three-team tournament at Missouri State Saturday. Arkansas takes on the host Bears and Tulsa in the one-day round robin event. Although the matches are scrimmages, Arkansas head coach Chris Poole has specific goals about what he wants the Lady Razorbacks to accomplish. “The spring tournaments are a great opportunity to see the girls compete without the pressure of winning and losing,” said Arkansas head coach Chris Poole. “There will be significant playing time for everyone, because we want to have a full evaluation of how each player will perform. We only have one setter, Lindsay Scanlan, this spring, so we will be running a 5-1 offense. This will be something new for Lindsay at the college level and a chance to see how our front row can handle the adjustment. Karen Tang will get most of the playing time in the middle and Destiny Clark will have her first chance of playing again since the two knee surgeries last spring. Hillary McCormick, Heather Royal, and Kristin Seaton will switch out for the left side position. Hillary has made the most improvement this spring and she just needs to gain confidence. “We have two new liberos, Phoebe Bautista and Lauren Fielding,” Poole continued. “They both redshirted last fall and will split time as defensive specialist this spring. Both will get a serious look at the starting libero position. Ultimately, the one that can serve-receive the best and bring energy to the court will gain the most playing time. Senior Christina Lawrence will continue to be our top right side, a position she has played since her freshman season. She has the potential to be one of the best players in the SEC this season.” As for the competition, Missouri State finished the 2007 season with a 28-5 overall record and reached the NCAA Tournament first round. Tulsa was also an NCAA Tournament participant ending the year with a 27-9 overall mark. Arkansas splits the squad next weekend. The 2007 seniors, Kelli Cole, Jessica Dorrell and Ashley Miller, travel to Gainesville, Fla., for the first-ever Southeastern Conference Coaches Beach Championship. The rest of the Razorbacks travel to Houston, Texas, facing Texas, South Florida, Mexico State and Southern California in pool play.