Former Razorback wins NORCECA title

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Former University of Arkansas volleyball standout Yarleen Santiago teamed with countrywoman Dariam Acevedo to capture the Nicaragua event title on the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Circuit this past weekend. Representing Puerto Rico, Santiago and Acevedo defeated Costa Rica’s Natalia Alfaro and Ingrid Morales, 22-20, 21-19, in the championship match.The Puerto Rican team finished the tournament with a 5-0 record, including a pair of come-from-behind wins in the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds over the United States and El Salvador, respectively. The Nicaragua event was the last stop on the NORCECA season calendar, and provided Puerto Rico with its first title of the year.Santiago played for Arkansas during the 1997-99 seasons and totaled 1,342 kills in three years, the sixth-best total in program history. She was a three-time All-Southeastern Conference selection, twice being named to the league’s first team. During her collegiate career, the Razorbacks were 89-19 with a 41-4 mark in conference play, and in 1997, the Razorbacks captured the SEC Tournament title. Santiago also helped lead Arkansas to three NCAA Tournament appearances.The 2009 edition of the Razorback volleyball team returns to action Nov. 8 with a matchup against No. LSU. The match will be televised by CSS and begin at 1 p.m. (CT) at Barnhill Arena. For more information, log on to ArkansasRazorbacks.com.