Lady'Backs fall to LSU in four

Jump to LSU box FAYETTEVILLE – The University of Arkansas volleyball team put itself in a dangerous position Friday night dropping a Southeastern Conference match to LSU and threatening the Lady Razorbacks’ 10th Western Division title. Arkansas suffered a 37-29, 30-28, 27-30, 17-30 loss falling to 13-13 overall and 9-6 in the SEC. LSU improved to 15-10 overall and 7-8 in the SEC. Arkansas must win its final regular season SEC match at Mississippi State to capture co-divisional honors with Alabama who is also 9-6 in league play. In addition to the divisional title, Arkansas No. 3 seed in the upcoming SEC Tournament is also in jeopardy with the Crimson Tide threatening to overtake the Lady’Backs. The Lady’Backs opened the match with a marathon game – the highest scoring in Arkansas history since changing to rally scoring. Arkansas battled back from a six-point deficit finally tying the Tigers at 23 and it was back-and-forth from that point on. The Lady’Backs and Tigers each had five game points down the stretch but it was LSU who benefited from a pair of Arkansas miscues to win. The Lady Razorbacks stepped up their offense in the second game with 16 kills as they controlled the pace of play late in the game but the momentum didn’t carry over into what would be the final two games. Arkansas hit just .156 in the match with 18 kills from Kele Brewer and 12 from lone senior Jennifer Haaser on senior night. Three Lady’Backs were in double-digit digs led by Ashley Miller’s 14 and Karla Crose paced Arkansas with five block assists in the loss. LSU was paced by four players in double-digit kills led by Regan Hood with 16. LSU hit .215 as a team and out-blocked the Lady’Backs nine to seven. The Lady’Backs conclude SEC regular season action at Mississippi State Sunday in Starkville, Miss. Arkansas hosts its final match before the SEC Tournament welcoming Southwest Missouri State Tuesday at 7:00 p .m., in Barnhill Arena. For more information log on to www.ladybacks.com.