Alabama volleyball team sweeps Arkansas

TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama volleyball team extended its winning streak to four matches today after defeating Arkansas, 30-23, 30-25, 30-23, in its conference home opener at the CAVE. With the win, the Crimson Tide improved to 7-6 overall and 4-0 in the SEC while Arkansas dropped to 6-8 overall and 0-4 in the SEC.

The Tide put on an offensive show in front of a boisterous home crowd Sunday as Alabama’s two middle blockers hit over .400. Junior Lindsey Buteyn led all players with a .500 hitting percentage while All-American Crystal Hudson hit .438.

“We look at our offense as being very balanced,” said Alabama head coach Judy Green. “We need Liz Salstrand to hit the ball well and we need Lindsey Buteyn, who hit the ball well. To me, Lindsey was the key to our offense today. We are just looking for consistency and balance and if we can get that in every match then it will be really hard to beat Alabama.”

On the defensive side, junior libero Amy Pauly recorded a team high 20 digs and Hudson posted four block assists. Alabama blocked eight balls and held Arkansas to a .190 hitting percentage.

The Tide outperformed Arkansas in almost every category en route to Alabama’s first home victory of the season.

“I think we make it up to the fans today,” said Green. “We appreciate our fans but it’s more for us. We had some making up to do to ourselves. I think they showed that today. They put on a pretty powerful offensive performance.”

Alabama returns to action next week as they host South Carolina Friday at 7 p.m. followed by No. 6 Florida Sunday at 1:30 p.m.