LAWRENCE, Kan. – The University of Arkansas of volleyball team posted a four-set victory Friday evening over North Texas on the opening day of the Jayhawk Classic in Lawrence, Kan. For the 10th time in 12 matches, the Razorbacks out-blocked their opponent and were paced by a career-best 10.0 total blocks by sophomore Ana Sofia Jusino. It was Arkansas’ second win of the day, coupled with a morning victory over Cleveland State.
With the win, the Razorbacks had their first four-set result of the season and evened their record at 6-6. Arkansas closes out the weekend Saturday evening against tournament host and 24th-ranked Kansas. First serve of the weekend finale is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. (CT) and will be streamed on ESPN3.com which is also available through the WatchESPN app.
On match point, Jusino and fellow sophomore Danielle Harbin teamed up for a block that secured the win. With Friday evening’s performance, Jusino surpassed her previous best of nine blocks which she’d set two times prior. The Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, native now has at least five blocks in nine of Arkansas’ 12 matches this season including the last seven. Harbin finished the match with six total blocks while Chanell Clark-Bibbs added four blocks.
Offensively, senior Meredith Hays registered a team-high 15 kills and was joined in double digits with 10 by Clark-Bibbs. Hays has at least 15 kills in eight matches this season while Clark-Bibbs reached double figures for the fourth time. To go along with her defensive showing, Jusino added eight kills in the middle.
Season tickets to join the crowd at Barnhill Arena are on sale and can be purchased online or by calling 800-982-HOGS (4647). Beginning at $40, all season-ticket packages include a free team knit hat. Single-match tickets are $5 for adults while UA students and fans 17 years and younger get in free. Arkansas’ next home match will double as its SEC opener on Sept. 26 against Tennessee.
Final
Arkansas 3, North Texas 1 (25-20, 18-25, 25-22, 25-22)
Attendance: 200 | Time: 1:47
#RazorFacts
• Stat Leaders vs. North Texas
o Kills: 15 – Meredith Hays
o Digs: 11 – Monica Bollinger
o Blocks: 10 – Ana Sofia Jusino
• Has out-blocked opponent in 10 of 12 matches this season
o Out-blocked North Texas, 15.0 – 6.0
o Career-high 10.0 total blocks for Ana Sofia Jusino
• Milestone Watch:
o Monica Bollinger: Moved into 26th place in program history with 546 career digs
o Meredith Hays: Moved into 23rd place in program history with 649 career kills
• First four-set match of the season
• All-time series vs. North Texas: Arkansas leads 4-1
o Improves to 8-5 all-time when playing in Lawrence
• Up next: Saturday vs. No. 24 Kansas at 6:30 p.m. (CT) [ESPN3/WatchESPN]
• Next home match: SEC opener Sept. 26 vs. Tennessee at 7 p.m. [SEC Network+]
For more information on Arkansas volleyball, follow @RazorbackVB on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.