The Razorback volleyball team was picked to finish third in the SEC Western Division this year according to the league coaches as announced by the conference today.
The Razorbacks, who are in their third season under head coach Robert Pulliza, rank behind defending conference champion, LSU, and Auburn in the standings, while Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Alabam round out the division.
Over in the Eastern Division, Tennessee was predicted as the winner, while Florida was picked second followed by Kentucky, Georgia and South Carolina.
This year’s Hogs return nine letterwinners from a year ago, including junior Kelli Stipanovich, sophomore Amanda Anderson, and sophomore Jasmine Norton, a preseason All-SEC selection this year.
This first poll shows quite a big jump for the team from year ago. Last year, the Razorbacks were picked to finish 10th in the league, but outperformed expectations to a 6th place finish.
The Razorbacks first match is scheduled for August 27th against UMKC as part of day one action of the Arkansas Invitational tournament. The first serve is scheduled to go up promptly at 7 p.m. at Barnhill Arena.