Nov. 3, 2006
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -
The Auburn University volleyball team fell to Arkansas, 3-1 (34-32, 27-30, 30-17, 30-22) on Friday at Barnhill Arena in Fayetteville. The loss splits the season-series, 1-1 between the two schools. With the loss, AU falls to 12-14 overall and 4-11 in the SEC, while Arkansas improves to 15-8 overall and 8-7 in the conference.
Junior Rachel Shanks led the Tigers with 23 kills and 13 digs for her 15th double-double of the season and fifth 20-plus kill effort on the year. Sophomore Jessica Glover collected a double-double of her own with 15 kills and 11 digs. Junior Whitney Jacob led the Auburn defense with 15 digs, while senior Julie Bosler chipped in five blocks.
"We didn't manage our service game very well," head coach Laura Farina said. "We rely too much on our outside hitters and we need some others to step up."
Arkansas jumped out in front 4-0 to begin game one, but Auburn scored five-straight points to take the lead. The Lady`Backs recorded the next three points and held a small advantage until the Tigers took the lead back at 16-15. AU had a 26-24 lead, but following an Arkansas timeout, the Lady`Backs went on a 4-0 run to take the lead back. Auburn answered with two points of its own and tied the game at 28. Tied at 32, Arkansas scored the next two points to earn the 34-32 win. Shanks had nine kills and eight digs in the opening stanza.
It was Auburn's turn to start out on top, leading 6-3 early in the second game, but Arkansas negated the lead with a 6-0 run to take the advantage. With Arkansas holding a one point lead, the Lady'Backs went on a 5-0 run for a 17-11 lead, but AU battled back, scoring 10 of the games next 13 points to take back the lead, 21-20. Auburn maintained the lead the rest of the way, and took a 30-27 win into the lockerroom. Shanks already had her double-double recorded with 13 kills and 10 digs at the break.
Arkansas came out strong in game three, opening with a 14-3 lead. Auburn would get no closer than 10 the rest of the way, losing 30-17.
In game four, the Tigers roared out to a 7-3 lead, but Arkansas tied it at seven and took the lead on the next point. The Lady'Backs then reeled off six-straight points for a 15-9 lead before Auburn woke up and went on a 6-1 run to get back into the game. Arkansas answered with a 9-2 run to take control and earn the victory, 30-22.
Auburn will remain on the road to take on No. 10 LSU at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday in Baton Rouge.