Razorback volleyball concludes road schedule Sunday

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Arkansas volleyball team is coming off a big win at Mississippi State and is looking to carry that momentum into the final road match of the 2008 season at Alabama Sunday. Arkansas (7-19, 4-12 SEC) picked up a hard-fought five-set win at State Friday completing the sweep of the Bulldogs for the 2008 season. Senior Christina Lawrence tallied a career-best 29 kills leading Arkansas to the win. The Razorbacks are hoping to continue that momentum as the season winds down. “It was a good win,” said Arkansas head coach Robert Pulliza. “We are still getting better with each practice and match and it was a good show of character Friday.” The Razorbacks will face a challenge with a Crimson Tide team that has been playing well and whom picked up a three-set win over Ole Miss Friday. The Crimson Tide (14-11, 7-9 SEC) are paced by Brooks Webster who leads the team with 357 kills, 4.01 kills-per-set and is hitting .259 on the year. The Tide have the statistical advantage in nearly every category but Arkansas leads Alabama in blocking at this point of the season. Arkansas hit just .196 in the first meeting with Bama this year. Trailing 0-2, the Razorbacks rallied to win set three 25-21 but could not hold off the Tide for the match win. Razorbacks freshman Kelli Stipanovich had a team-best 15 kills and Lawrence added 14 kills in the loss. The Razorbacks out-blocked Alabama, 9-8, but the Crimson Tide hit .313 with three players in double figures. Arkansas returns home hosting LSU Nov. 21, Georgia Nov. 23 and Ole Miss in the season finale Nov. 29. For more information about Arkansas volleyball, log on to ArkansasRazorbacks.com.