Razorbacks Open Season with Arkansas Classic
The Razorbacks open the fall 2021 volleyball season in a big way as the team hosts the Arkansas Classic August 27-28. Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Louisiana Tech and Little Rock come to Fayetteville for six matches over the course of two days.
Louisiana Tech and Little Rock kick the tournament off with the opening match on Friday at 4 p.m. and Arkansas will follow with an in-state showdown versus Arkansas-Pine Bluff at 7 p.m.
The tournament continues Saturday morning with a tilt between Little Rock and Arkansas-Pine Bluff at 10 a.m. The Razorbacks then face off with Louisiana Tech for a noon match. The teams have a break for the afternoon before returning for the evening’s matches: Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Louisiana Tech at 5 p.m. and Arkansas and Little Rock at 7 p.m.
Arkansas returns to Barnhill Arena after an exhibition match with Missouri State last weekend. The Razorbacks came away with the 3-1 victory over the Lions, which featured set scores of 25-18, 21-25, 25-21 and 25-21.
Junior Jillian Gillen led the way with 17 kills on the match, while sophomore Taylor Head posted a double-double with 12 kills and 10 digs. Arkansas newcomers also shined in the match. Graduate transfer Abigail Archibong tied the team best with four block assists, freshman Zoi Evans registered five kills on five attempts, and freshman Courtney Jackson had one of the Razorbacks’ three service aces and 10 digs.
Scouting the Field
Louisiana Tech opens its season in Fayetteville after an exhibition match against McNeese State. The Lady Techsters last played the Razorbacks in 2015. Arkansas won 3-0, and currently leads the all-time series 2-1. The team went 1-19 over last year’s split season and brings a young roster to Barnhill with 11 newcomers.
Little Rock finished the 2020 slate with a 6-14 record. The Trojans bring back 10 players from last season, including all but one of the team’s kill leaders. Little Rock and Arkansas last met for a match in 2019 and the Razorbacks won 3-0.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff comes to the Arkansas Classic after the Lady Lions hosted Ouachita Baptist and Henderson State earlier in the week. Last season, the Lady Lions finished with a 9-4 record. Arkansas and UAPB last faced off in 2019, in which the Razorbacks claimed a 3-1 victory. Twelve of Pine Bluff’s 20 players are underclassmen, and the team returns four out of five top scorers.
More Information
All Arkansas matches will be streamed on SECN+ and live stats will be provided.
Tickets for this weekend’s matches as well as season tickets are still available, which feature 10 more matches in Barnhill Arena after this weekend. Fans can purchase tickets HERE or by calling the Razorback Ticket Center at 479.575.5151.
Visit ArkansasRazorbacks.com for the latest information on all things Arkansas Volleyball. You can also find the Hogs on social media by liking us on Facebook (Arkansas Razorback Volleyball) and following us on Twitter and Instagram (@RazorbackVB).