Arkansas Sweeps Georgia on the Road

ATHENS, Ga. – The University of Arkansas volleyball team completed its sweep of Georgia on Friday night in Athens, the Razorbacks defeated the Bulldogs in three sets (26-24, 25-19, 25-23).

The Razorbacks move to 8-4 on the combined 2020-21 season and the Bulldogs drop to 4-6. With the win, Arkansas handed Georgia its first series sweep since the non-traditional season began in the fall.

“It was a wonderful team effort,” said head coach Jason Watson. “I certainly believe we got better as the weekend progressed. Georgia is a talented team, and they exposed some areas we need to upgrade. Overall, I’m really pleased with our competitive composure this evening. We get an opportunity to rest this weekend and get back in the gym to prepare for a physical and talented Alabama team next week.”

Hog Highlights

Jillian Gillen | 16 kills, 9 digs
Taylor Head | 11 kills, 14 digs
Gracie Ryan | 35 assists, 11 digs, 3 blocks

How it Happened

Arkansas played much more efficiently in game two of the series with Georgia, swinging over .300 in both the first and second sets, committing only nine total errors in the first two frames.

The Razorbacks quickly built a lofty lead to start the night after a Bulldog attack error gave Arkansas the 13-6 advantage. Georgia did not pull off the gas and tied the set at 19 points apiece. The two teams traded sideout points, and tied at 24-24, with sophomore Abbigail McGee at the serving line, Head and Ryan secured back-to-back kills and secure the first set for Arkansas, 26-24.

Arkansas sparked a late rally in the second set to go ahead, 20-15 after a kill from senior Liz Pamphile warranted a Georgia timeout. The Razorbacks maintained control of the set and a service ace from Head along with another kill from Pamphile sealed the deal on a 25-19, set-two victory.

Out in front, two sets to one, the Hogs found themselves trailing for a majority of the third set. Arkansas clawed its way back from a deficit that grew to as many as six points to tie the set at 19-19 with a successful attack from junior middle-blocker Ellease Crumpton.

Tied again with Georgia (23-23), Arkansas turned to sophomore outside hitter Maggie Cartwright. Cartwright delivered back-to-back kills for the Hogs, lifting the Razorbacks over the Bulldogs, 25-23 in the final set. Her efficiency at the net was illustrated throughout the entire match, finishing the night with a team-best .308 hitting percentage.

Arkansas will host Alabama next, as the Tide comes to town on Feb. 12 for a two-game series starting Friday night at 7 p.m. CT.

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