Razorbacks Sweep Michigan State in Home Opener
In their highest-attended home opener ever, the Razorbacks got the 2023 slate off to a hot start as they defeated Michigan State 25-19, 25-16, and 25-10 for a sweep in their first match of the season.
Impressive Performances Lead to Victory
Graduate outside hitter Jill Gillen led the Hogs with 14 kills on 37 swings, and put up a career-high three solo blocks. Senior Taylor Head hit a team-high .345 and registered a double-double with 13 kills and a team-high 12 digs, while junior setter Hannah Hogue also had a double-double with 32 assists and 10 digs.
Breaking the Big Ten Barrier
It was Arkansas’ first match against a Big Ten team since 2019, and their first win over a Big Ten team since 2018. The match was the fourth-highest attendance ever, with 1,717 fans at Barnhill Arena.
Set 1: Razorbacks Take Early Lead
The Hogs used a three-point run early, including an ace from Gillen and a kill from senior Maggie Cartwright, to go up 6-2. Arkansas continued to dominate, extending their lead to 17-8 with a pair of kills from Gillen. Although the Spartans made a comeback attempt, the Razorbacks held on to win the set 25-19.
Set 2: Hogs Maintain Control
The Spartans kept things closer in the second set, but the Razorbacks began to pull away with a three-point run that made it 9-5. Arkansas found their rhythm and strung together four straight points, increasing their lead to 15-9. The Hogs maintained control and closed out the set with a score of 25-16, putting them up 2-0 in the match.
Set 3: Razorbacks Dominate
Arkansas started the third set with a blazing start, jumping out to an early 6-1 lead with two service aces by Hogue. The Spartans attempted to regroup with a timeout, but the Razorbacks stifled any chances of a comeback. Arkansas continued to pour it on, leading by 10 at 17-7 and 18-8. The Hogs closed the match with a dominant performance, winning the set 25-10.
Up Next: Razorback Classic
The Volley Hogs will return to action and close out the Razorback Classic with a match against Tulsa on Sunday at 2 p.m. The match will be streamed live on SEC Network+.
For more information on all things Arkansas Volleyball, visit ArkansasRazorbacks.com. Stay connected with the Razorbacks on social media by liking their Facebook page (Arkansas Razorback Volleyball) and following them on Twitter and Instagram (@RazorbackVB).
Original Story at arkansasrazorbacks.com – 2023-08-26 03:23:41
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