Razorbacks Hit the West Coast
FAYETTEVILLE – The University of Arkansas volleyball team is on the road for the first time this season, heading west to the Golden State for the San Diego/San Diego State Challenge. The Razorbacks will look to continue their win streak, headed into the week with a 3-0 record.
Arkansas racked up its three wins at the Arkansas Classic last weekend, defeating Northwestern State (3-0) and Little Rock (3-0) on Friday and a scrappy Montana State team (3-2) on Saturday morning. Freshman Jillian Gillen and senior Rachel Rippee were selected to the All-Tournament Team after helping lead the Hogs to a tournament title.
Gillen’s first weekend in the cardinal and white lead to the first SEC Freshman of the Week award of the season. The outside hitter from Stilwell, Kansas, averaged 5.00 points, 4.36 kills and 2.36 digs per set in the Arkansas Classic this past weekend. In her opening match against Northwestern State, Gillen posted 13 kills, becoming the first Razorback with double-digit kills in her freshman debut. She then recorded her first double-double of 26 kills and 13 digs against Montana State, becoming one of only 22 Razorbacks to ever record 25+ kills in a single match.
vs West Virginia Mountaineers
When: Thursday, Sept. 5 at 8:00 p.m. (CT)
Where: San Diego State
Series Record: First Meeting
The Scouting Report
Following a 3-0 weekend at the two-day tournament, West Virginia walked away with the 2019 Delaware Classic title. Additionally, junior middle blocker Briana Lynch was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, while sophomores Lacey Zerwas and Kristina Jordan earned all-tournament team honors for their efforts. Lynch currently leads the Mountaineers with a .381 hitting percentage, committing only five errors in 63 attempts. Zerwas is the primary setter for West Virginia, accounting for 108 of the teams’ 129 assists through three matches.
at San Diego
When: Friday, Sept. 6 at 9:00 p.m. (CT)
Where: University of San Diego
Series Record: San Diego, 2-0
The Scouting Report
No. 21 San Diego completed a 3-0 sweep over St. John’s on Sunday afternoon at Stan Sheriff Center to conclude the Hawaiian Airlines Rainbow Wahine Classic with a 1-2 record. Senior Anna Newsome is the most efficient Toreros after opening weekend, swinging a .538 with 15 kills in 10 sets played. She is also the primary setter for USD, assisting in 108 attacks on the season. Newsome is also seen doing her part on the defensive side of the ball as the leading digger, averaging 3.20 digs per set. Senior outside hitter Thana Fayad as recorded double-digit kills in all three appearances and heads into the week with 43 total kills.
at San Diego State
When: Saturday, Sept. 7 at 1:00 p.m. (CT)
Where: San Diego State
Series Record: First Meeting
The Scouting Report
Arkansas will see fresh competition in San Diego State, meeting for the first time on the court on Saturday. The Aztecs (2-1) are anchored by junior setter Camryn Machado, who logged three consecutive double-doubles at the FGCU Homewood Suites Fort Myers Classic. Her all-tournament selection and consistency in the setter position earned her Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week as well. Machado’s favorite target is senior outside hitter Hannah Turnlund, who leads the Aztecs with 41 kills (3.73 k/s) to the tune of a .233 hitting percentage.
All matches at the USD/SDSU Challenge will be available via live stream and live scoring, links will be made available by the host team on gameday. Follow the Hogs on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to stay up to date on all things Razorback Volleyball.
