UA volleyball picked fifth in preseason SEC West poll

By UA Media Relations

Posted: August 21, 2009 at 6:18 a.m.

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FAYETTEVILLE — The University of Arkansas volleyball team was voted to finish fifth in the Southeastern Conference's Western Division it was announced this week.

The Razorbacks enter their second season under the direction of head coach Robert Pulliza in 2009. The team returns just five players from 2008 and welcomes seven newcomers as the season begins.

"Any time you have a roster in which 10 of the 12 student-athletes are freshmen or sophomores, it's going to reflectinpreseasonrankings," said Pulliza. "It's always good to know what your opposition's thoughts are about your team before the season gets underway, but ultimately, preseason rankings don't mean anything."

Arkansas' expectations are higher than the team's projected finish. The Razorbacks are paced by a small, but experienced, group of returns led by senior starters Kristin Seaton and Lindsay Scanlan.

Arkansas' sophomore class includes liberos Phoebe Bautista and Mackenzie Rhea and hitter Kelli Stipanovich.

In addition, the Razorbacks added a lot of height and athleticism with the incoming class. Transfer Allison Johnson is listed at 6-3, and is joined bya pair of 6-1 players, Amanda Anderson and Janeliss Torres-Lopez.

Arkansas opens the season on the road traveling to the Texas Christian University tournament where they face the host Horned Frogs as well as Loyola Marymount and Grambling State.

"We're excited about our team and what they are doing and we can't wait to get the season underway," said Pulliza.

Sports, Pages 7 on 08/21/2009

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