Arkansas Faces Missouri Tigers in Final Road Test
FAYETTEVILLE – The University of Arkansas volleyball team hits the road for just the second, but the final time of the season this week, as they head north to Columbia, Mo. for the Battle Line Rivalry versus the Missouri Tigers. The two teams will face off in the Hearnes Center on Wednesday (Oct. 4) and Thursday (Oct. 5).
Wednesday 5:00 p.m. (CT) ESPNU Live Scoring
Thursday 6:00 p.m. (CT) SEC Network Live Scoring
The last time the Hogs were on the court, Arkansas took game one and two of its weekend series with Ole Miss, starting 4-0 in conference play for the first time since 2003. Arkansas posted its best hitting performance of the season on Sunday, boasting a .386 hitting percentage in the sweep of the Rebels. The 3-0 victory is the first time Arkansas swept Ole Miss since 2014 and marks the first time Arkansas beat Ole Miss twice in the same season since 2017.
“Playing in Barnhill again was an experience we’ve been waiting for all year,” said junior setter, Gracie Ryan. “Being able to get a sweep in our home gym was beyond exciting and a testament to the work we’ve put in this gym for months now! Everyone relentlessly committed to their jobs this weekend and we were able to see a rewarding return. Can’t wait to be back here in two weeks!”
On Monday, freshman Taylor Head was named the SEC Freshman of the Week. Head’s award is the first of her rookie campaign and first for the Razorbacks this season. Head averaged 4.21 points, 3.71 kills and 3.14 digs per set and owned a .397 hitting percentage in the two victories over Ole Miss this past weekend. Head tallied 15 kills and 10 digs in the first match and followed that with 11 kills and 12 digs to post her fourth consecutive double-double.
Through four matches, the Hogs are averaging a .243 hitting percentage compared to their opponents’ .200 average. In 2019, the Razorbacks managed just a .189 hitting percentage overall and .177 in conference play. So far in 2020, Arkansas has achieved a higher hitting percentage in every match trending upwards as such: .213, .215, .216, .386. The Razorbacks had only eight errors in 101 total attacks on Sunday that yielded 47 kills. Arkansas’ .386 hitting percentage is the best by the Hogs since a sweep of Mississippi State on (Oct. 22, 2017) (45-8-86).
Wednesday evening’s matchup will air live on ESPNU with Eric Frede and Katie George on the call. Thursday’s series finale will broadcast live on SEC Network with Sam Gore and Jenn Hoffman on the call. Fans can also follow the action online at SEC Network + via WatchESPN.
Visit ArkansasRazorbacks.com for the latest information on all things Arkansas Volleyball. You can also find the Hogs on social media by liking us on Facebook (Arkansas Razorback Volleyball) and following us on Twitter and Instagram (@RazorbackVB).
