Hogs Set to Open Season on West Coast

The 30th year of Razorback volleyball gets underway on Friday as the Hogs are set to open the 2024 slate at the Mustang invitational hosted by Cal Poly.

No, 19 Arkansas will play three matches over the course of two days, starting with the season opener against St. Mary’s on Friday, Aug. 28 at 4:30 p.m. CT. The Razorbacks will then play a doubleheader on Saturday with a match against Sacramento State at 2:30 p.m. and one versus Cal Poly at 9 p.m.

The Hogs haven’t played any of the three teams since 2006, and it’s just the third-ever meeting between Arkansas and St. Mary’s and Sac State. Both series with the Gaels and Hornets are tied at 1-1. Saturday will the first time the Razorbacks have ever played the Cal Poly Mustangs, and Arkansas has not played a team from the Golden State since 2017.

It will be the first look at the 2024 squad, a mix of veterans and newcomers. All-American honorable mention, All South-Region and All-SEC setter Hannah Hogue returns for her senior season to pace the Arkansas offense. Hogue was also named to the preseason All-SEC team in July. Libero Courtney Jackson will be the centerpiece of the Hog defense and is joined by returners Zoi Evans and Sania Petties at middle blocker, all also seniors.

After losing three stars in Maggie Cartwright, Jill Gillen and Taylor Head, Arkansas has a few options for replacing the offensive firepower. Senior Jada Lawson – who played 21 matches last season primarily as a serving specialist – has emerged into one of Arkansas’ strongest arms at outside hitter. She’s joined by Romani Thurman, a transfer from UNC who registered 174 kills in 24 matches for the Tar Heels. The Hogs have several faces to look to for a third pin hitter, primarily underclassmen.

Only Arkansas’ match against Cal Poly will be streamed over the weekend and will be featured on ESPN+. Live stats for each of the three matches will be available via StatBroadcast.

Numbers to Know

• St. Mary’s (2023 Final)
• Hitting Pct.: .213
• Kills/Set: 12.20
• Assists/Set: 11.30
• Digs/Set: 13.10
• Blocks/Set: 2.70
• Aces/Set: 1.70
• Opp. Hitting Pct.: .206

Sacramento State (2023 Final)

• Hitting Pct.: .243
• Kills/Set: 13.30
• Assists/Set: 12.40
• Digs/Set: 14.10
• Blocks/Set: 2.70
• Aces/Set: 1.40
• Opp. Hitting Pct.: .169

Cal Poly (2023 Final)

• Hitting Pct.: .208
• Kills/Set: 11.80
• Assists/Set: 10.90
• Digs/Set: 14.40
• Blocks/Set: 2.30
• Aces/Set: 1.60
• Opp. Hitting Pct.: .183

Arkansas (2023 Final)

• Hitting Pct.: .258
• Kills/Set: 13.78
• Assists/Set: 12.92
• Digs/Set: 15.64
• Blocks/Set: 2.09
• Aces/Set: 1.87
• Opp. Hitting Pct. .183

More Information

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