For the first time in program history, [autotag]Arkansas volleyball[/autotag] is headed to the Elite Eight. The third-seeded Razorbacks were able to knock off the second-seeded Kentucky Wildcats 3-2 to advance in the NCAA Tournament.
It’s been a season filled with history-making moments and, with the win, they were able to do that once more. It was their first victory over Kentucky since 2012, which is made even more impressive considering that the Wildcats bested the Hogs twice earlier in the season.
On Wednesday night, Arkansas was in for another tough fight, but thanks to graduate senior Jill Gillen’s fantastic performance, this time ended differently.
The Wildcats controlled the majority of the first set and went on to win rather convincingly, 25-22. In the next set, the Hogs were able to jump out to an early lead. Kentucky responded, though, and it was back-and-forth until the very end when the Razorbacks were able to pull away and win the set, 25-22, with a Courtney Jackson ace.
The third set saw Arkansas ride that wave of momentum to a blow-out win, 25-15, giving them a 2-1 lead heading to a fourth frame. Kentucky responded with an early lead, but the Hogs clawed back into it midway through the set. Ultimately, it wasn’t enough as the Wildcats forced a final set.
In the fifth and deciding set, Arkansas would not be denied. They led the entire way as Kentucky could only get within one halfway through. The Hogs would pull away after that, winning the set, 15-10, and the match, 3-2.
Arkansas moves on to face No. 1 overall seed, and host, Nebraska on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. with a trip to the Final Four on the line. ESPNU will broadcast all of the action from Lincoln.