Volleyball plays in first of four spring events

Jump to spring schedule FAYETTEVILLE — The University of Arkansas volleyball team returns to the court this weekend for the first of four spring tournaments. Arkansas, who finished the 2004 season with a 17-16 record and an NCAA Tournament appearance, travels to Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, this weekend seeing Baylor, Texas State, Texas-Arlington, Clemson, SMU, Oklahoma, Rice, Abilene Christian and Texas Christian in tournament play. Arkansas opens play at Moody Coliseum facing Abilene Christine at 9:30 a.m. on court two. The Lady’Backs face TCU at 11:30 a.m., and take on Rice at 2:00 p.m. Arkansas concludes pool play with Oklahoma at 5:00 p.m. Arkansas returns eight players from last year’s NCAA Tournament and Southeastern Conference Western Division winning team. The most noticeable loss is the graduation of Ft. Smith, Ark., middle blocker Jennifer Haaser, a player the Lady’Backs must replace to be successful. However, the spring event also allows the Lady’Backs to test newcomer Nicole Martin who transferred in at the semester and Christina Lawrence who redshirted last season. Returning for Arkansas this spring is Amy Allison, Kele Brewer, Kelli Cole, Karla Crose, Iva Docekalova, Jessica Dorrell, Denitza Koleva and Ashley Miller. The SMU Tournament is the first of four events this spring. Arkansas travels to Springfield, Mo., for the Southwest Missouri State tournament April 9, followed by a pair of home tournaments. The Lady Razorbacks host the first home tournament April 16th, with the teams still to be determined. Arkansas concludes the spring April 23, hosting Kansas State, Memphis and Southwest Missouri State in Barnhill Arena. For more information about Arkansas volleyball log on to LADYBACKS.COM.