LAWRENCE, Kan. – The University of Arkansas volleyball team began its final non-conference weekend Friday morning with a straight-set win over Cleveland State at the Horejsi Center in Lawrence, Kan. The Razorbacks’ sweep is their fourth of the season. Arkansas (5-6) returns to the court Friday evening to face North Texas in its second match of the day. First serve is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. (CT).
Offensively, the Razorbacks were paced by senior Meredith Hays who led all players with 20 kills. She now has 20 kills or more in five of Arkansas’ last six matches. Chanell Clark-Bibbs and Shelby Harper each had nine kills and hit over .300 against Cleveland State (6-5). In directing the offense to a .270 hitting percentage, freshman Bailee Hankenson dished out 33 assists to go along with three kills and five digs.
For the ninth time in 11 matches this season, Arkansas out-blocked its opponent and finished the match with 7.0 total team blocks. Sophomore Ana Sofia Jusino led all players with six total blocks while Harper added five blocks. Junior libero Monica Bollinger led the team with 15 digs and was followed closely by a season-high 14 digs from freshman Kori Ortiz.
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, Cleveland State 0 (25-14, 25-23, 25-22)
Attendance: 75 | Time: 1:28
#RazorFacts
• Stat Leaders vs. Cleveland State
o Kills: 20 – Meredith Hays
o Digs: 15 – Monica Bollinger
o Blocks: 6.0 (0-6) – Ana Sofia Jusino
• Has out-blocked opponent in nine of 11 matches this season
• Won opening set 25-14, most lopsided winning margin this season
• Milestone Watch:
o Monica Bollinger: Moved into 27th place in program history with 535 career digs
• First-ever meeting between Arkansas and Cleveland State
• Up next: Friday vs. North Texas at 5:30 p.m. (CT)
• 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.