Arkansas welcomed its highest-ranked home-opening opponent in program history on Friday and made the most of the challenge.
The Hogs defeated the No. 8 Washington Huskies 3-1 on Friday night, the team’s highest-ranked win since No. 5 Florida in 2007 and first top-10 win since 2015.
“Initially when we came in, we were a little concerned that we didn’t have the time that we needed to prep,” head coach Jason Watson said. “Proud of our team, I thought they played well and composed themselves, especially in that fourth set when they were making a run at us, it was a little bit of a challenge there, but I thought that was really mature volleyball at the end of the match.”
Junior Taylor Head led the way with 16 kills and 10 digs for Arkansas’ first double-double of the season. Seniors Jill Gillen and Maggie Cartwright both had 14 kills apiece and Cartwright hit .429. Graduate student Hailey Dirrigl had nine kills and hit .444, second highest on the night.
Arkansas benefited greatly from playing two setters on the night. Seasoned veteran Gracie Ryan posted 23 assists and 10 digs, while sophomore Hannah Hogue also had 10 digs and a career-high 31 assists.
The Hogs outhit the Huskies .352 to .245, had seven aces and doubled Washington in blocks, 12 to six. With the victory, Arkansas takes the all-time series lead 2-1, in the first meeting between the two teams since 2004.
The Razorbacks take on the Huskies in the series finale on Saturday at 4 p.m. at Barnhill Arena. The match will be streamed live on SEC Network+.
Tickets for the match are available online, by phone or at the door.