Hogs Swept by Vols in Series Finale

Arkansas looked to bounce back after a 3-1 loss to No. 21 Tennessee, but the Razorbacks couldn’t overcome the Lady Volunteers and fell in straight sets Sunday. 

The Hogs are now 10-4 on the season and 1-2 in SEC play. Tennessee moves to 10-2 and 2-0 in conference play. 

Arkansas’ offense was denied by a strong Tennessee block. The Volunteers had 12 total blocks to just two for the Hogs. In both matches against Tennessee, Arkansas hit less than .100, which the Razorbacks had not done yet this season. Both teams posted 124 attempts, but the Vols outpaced the Hogs in kills 45-33.

Tennessee quickly grabbed a 7-2 win in the opening set, but the Hogs used a 5-1 run to cut the Volunteer lead to 8-7. The teams then traded points, but Tennessee made a strong push and put up five points for a 15-11 lead at the midway point. The Razorbacks stayed on their heels, but couldn’t get more than two points together at a time. After a timeout down 23-19, two straight Arkansas errors ended the set 25-19 in favor of the home team.

The Vols didn’t let up in the second set and came out with a 4-0 lead to start. A three-point run with a kill from junior Maggie Cartwright and an ace from senior Lauren Evans brought the Hogs within one at 6-5, and Arkansas went on to tied the score four times after that. Back-to-back kills from senior Ellease Crumpton gave the Hogs their first lead at 12-11, but the Vols answered with four straight points. The deficit proved too much to overcome, and Tennessee kept Arkansas at bay by at least three points. A kill and Hog error gave the Vols the last two points for another 25-19 set victory and a 2-0 match lead.

The third set started just as the second did, with a 4-0 Tennessee lead. The Hogs added five points, but the Vols tacked on six and got to 10 first. Arkansas threatened with a 5-1 run that featured back-to-back Gillen kills and made it 12-11, but Tennessee answered back with three. The Hogs then hit repeat and added three of their own, two from Gillen, and again it was a one-point game at 15-14.Tennessee then took a timeout, which quickly swung the momentum. The Vols took a 19-15 lead and sent the Razorbacks to their own huddle. A 5-1 run finished out the set 25-17 and secured the match and series sweep for Tennessee. 

Up Next 

Arkansas comes back to Barnhill Arena for a lone Saturday match against Georgia on Oct. 2 at 5 p.m. Designated as the team’s Breast Cancer Awareness Night, the match will feature a pink theme, will honor survivors pregame and provide those who RSVP with free tickets, and the first 100 fans will receive a pink t-shirt. Arkansas also welcomes back its alumni for Alumni Weekend, and Saturday marks the third area school night.

Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the Razorback Ticket Center at 479.575.5151.

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