Lawrence honored as Arkansas prepares for ORU on Tuesday

FAYETTEVILLE — University of Arkansas redshirt freshman Christina Lawrence was named Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week as the Lady Razorbacks prepare to host Oral Roberts Tuesday at 7:00 p.m., in Barnhill Arena. The honor is the second of the season for the Sullivan, Mo., native and comes on the heels of a pair of big Western Division wins over Alabama and Auburn. Lawrence tied her career-best with 17 kills against the Tide. "Christina had another monster weekend," said Arkansas head coach Chris Poole. "This is her first semester of real competitive volleyball. She didn’t play club in high school and was very raw when she arrived but she’s worked very hard and literally learns something new every week. She also has a competitive fire that we have been missing on this team." Arkansas needs Lawrence to continue to play well as the Lady’Backs break from SEC action hosting Oral Roberts in a mid-week tilt. ORU comes to Fayetteville with a 17-8 overall mark and a 9-1 record in the Mid-Continent Conference. The Golden Eagles have won six matches in a row and the border rival is always a big match for the Lady’Backs. "ORU has a very good team again this year," said Poole. "They always get up to play us and it’s become a good rivalry for both programs." The Lady’Backs have a slim, 8-5, series advantage over the Golden Eagles but have won the last eight meetings since Arkansas added volleyball in 1994. Lawrence and the Lady’Backs captured a pair of Southeastern Conference wins over Alabama and Auburn catapulting the team to the top spot in the Western Division standings. Arkansas returns to SEC play at Mississippi State Friday and at Mississippi Sunday. For more information about Lady Razorback volleyball, log on to LADYBACKS.COM.