Lady'Back volleyball hosts Auburn in SEC match Sunday

FAYETTEVILLE – The University of Arkansas volleyball team hosts Auburn as Southeastern Conference action continues in Barnhill Arena Sunday at 1:30 p.m.

Arkansas improved to 8-9 overall and 2-5 in the SEC after a hard-fought five-game win over Georgia Friday. Arkansas stopped a school record eight consecutive loss run last weekend with a five-game win at Tennessee repeating the feat against Georgia Friday.

“It’s been good to get the wins,” said Arkansas head coach Chris Poole. “It’s really improved our confidence. We know we’re going to have to battle against Auburn. They are a very well-coached team and technically sound. They do the little things well and we’re going to have to step up and play Sunday.”

Arkansas battled and overcame more than just Georgia Friday. The Lady’Backs lost the services of junior Christina Lawrence who was injured on the final play of practice Friday afternoon prior to the match.

The injury forced a lineup change and several players responded well to the challenge. Sophomore Kristin Seaton stepped up with a career-best 20 kills and 10 digs, junior Yun Tang tallied 10 block assists and 11 total blocks, sophomore Catherine Fowler tied her career mark with eight total blocks and freshman Sarah Freudenrich added a career-best 12 kills in the win.

“I was very proud of how we responded Friday,” said Poole. “We got down at times but never gave up. We showed a lot of character and I hope that continues against Auburn. We’re going to get in and try a few things with this new lineup in practice Saturday. We need to work out a couple of things.”

Arkansas is in the midst of a four-match SEC home stand and the Lady’Backs host No. 6 Florida and South Carolina next weekend. For more information about Arkansas volleyball, log on to LADYBACKS.COM.