Lady'Backs host South Carolina as SEC action continues

FAYETTEVILLE – The University of Arkansas volleyball team returns to the court and Southeastern Conference action Sunday hosting South Carolina at 1:30 p.m., in the second match of a league double-header. LSU, using Barnhill Arena as a home site this weekend due to the recent hurricanes, hosts Tennessee in the opener at 10:30 a.m. Arkansas is coming off a rough start to league play suffering a 2-0 loss to Tennessee Friday. The Lady Razorbacks were out-played statistically and struggled to find any momentum against one of the best teams in the SEC. The disappointing start, however, is uncharacteristic of the Lady’Backs and head coach Chris Poole is looking for his team to bounce back. "We didn’t play like we’re capable of and that was disappointing," he said, "but we have to move on. The rest of the season starts Sunday." Sophomore Jessica Dorrell and junior Denitza Koleva paced Arkansas’ offense on Friday but solid blocking by the Lady Vols shut down any threat. The Lady’Backs will refocus their attention on the Gamecocks on Sunday in a match that could hold some surprises. South Carolina took on LSU in the opener Friday and the Tigers dominated the first two games and seemed to have the match well in hand. Carolina roared back winning games three and four forcing a deciding game five. LSU eked out the win but not before the Gamecocks gained some confidence under their new head coach. "South Carolina is very athletic," said Poole. "They can make a lot of things happen even on broken plays. We’re going to have to control our mistakes and take advantage of everything they give us."