Volleyball tabbed third in SEC Western Division

FAYETTEVILLE — The University of Arkansas volleyball team was picked to finish third in the Southeastern Conference’s Western Division the league office announced Tuesday. Arkansas finished the year 16-13 last year and made its fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance in 2006. The Lady’Backs return 10 players from last year’s team and welcome six newcomers for the 2007 season. "Our third place selection is not a surprise at all," said Arkansas head coach Chris Poole. "We are starting the season without two left sides and two middles from last year. In fact, we probably lost as much of our offense as any other team in the conference. This vote just shows that everyone else in the SEC has question marks about us. But that’s O.K. We have to work hard and improve with each day. Our goal is to do better than that and to win the SEC Western Division again." Alabama earned the top spot in the division with 14 points. LSU was second in the West with 17 followed by Arkansas (28), Ole Miss (36), Auburn (47) and Mississippi State (53). "Alabama could possibly have the best player in the league this year in Crystal Hudson," said Poole. "They have a lot of players returning from last year and their selection is no surprise. A lot of people are expecting big things from them this year. "We lost as much as anyone in the league and we just don’t know how our new players will adjust and step up to the pace and level of play in the SEC. I’ve seen some good focus and improvement over this first couple of days and I’m excited about the possibilities." Florida was again selected to win the overall title as well as the Eastern Division crown. The Gators have won 16 consecutive SEC titles and garnered 10 first-place votes. Kentucky was second with 22 followed by Tennessee (25), Georgia (41) and South Carolina (42). Arkansas opens the 2007 season Aug. 24-25, hosting the Arkansas Clarion Inn Invitational in Barnhill Arena. For more information and tickets please call the Lady Razorback Ticket Office at 57-LBACK or 877-LADYBACK. You can also log on to LADYBACKS.COM for more information. SEC Champion: Florida (10), Kentucky (1)