Razorback Communications Press Release
Written by Jeri Thorpe
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas volleyball team posted a season-best 11 blocks and 11 service aces leading the Razorbacks to a three-set Southeastern Conference win over Alabama in Barnhill Arena Friday. Arkansas improves to 9-4 overall with the 25-13, 25-14, 25-19 win, while Alabama falls to 4-9 on the year.
Devyn Wheeler added a career-best 5 service aces while Taylor Head and Jillian Gillen finished with double figure kills in the win. The Razorbacks held Alabama to a -0.038 hitting percentage on the night.
Hog Highlights
Taylor Head | 12 kills | Her 10th match of the year in double figures
Jillian Gillen | 10 kills | Her 11th match of the year in double figures
Devyn Wheeler | 5 services aces | An individual season-best
How It Happened
Fast Start – Arkansas dashed out to a fast start in the first set with a 9-2 advantage to open the frame and never looked back. The Razorbacks lead by as many as nine before cruising to the 25-13 victory.
Blocks and Final Run – The second set was won at the net with the Razorbacks picking up seven team blocks led by Ellease Crumpton with five block assists in the frame. With Arkansas up, 6-4, the Razorbacks put together three consecutive blocks to force an Alabama time out as they stretched the lead, 9-4. The Tide responded with their best play of the match, chipping away, tying and taking the lead at 11-10. The Razorbacks rallied and finished with an 8-0 run for the 25-14 win.
Methodical – The final set was closer down the stretch with the teams tied at 15-all at one point. The slow and steady scoring of Arkansas allowed the Razorbacks to finish with a 7-4 run to capture the match victory.
Up Next
The Razorbacks and Crimson Tide meet again in Barnhill Arena on Saturday. First serve is scheduled for 4 p.m. The Razorbacks then travel to LSU and Florida before ending the season with four consecutive home contests.
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).
