Starkville Struggles: Razorbacks Sweep Less Than Sweet by Bulldogs
Last Sunday, Starkville was the stage for a challenging match for the Arkansas Razorbacks Volleyball team as they faced off against the impressive Mississippi State Bulldogs. Unfortunately for the Hogs, it turned out to be another tough outing, with the team being swept 3-0. This loss puts Arkansas at 4-4 in the SEC and 14-6 overall, highlighting a rough patch as they’ve dropped four consecutive conference matches.
A Rolling Streak of Challenges
It’s hard to sugarcoat it—things have been a bit rocky for the Razorbacks lately. Out of their last six matches, five have been on the road, adding to the challenges of finding their winning rhythm away from the comforts of Fayetteville. With this latest loss to the Bulldogs, it’s clear that the team is in need of a turn-around.
Key Players Shine Bright
Even in defeat, there were glimpses of brilliance from the Hogs. Aniya Madkin led the team with a solid nine kills, showing her skill at pivotal moments. Close behind her were teammates Zoi Evans and Olivia Ruy, each contributing seven kills. Evans wasn’t just about offense; she also showcased her defensive prowess with five blocks, the highest on the team, making her an all-around asset on the court.
There was also a significant contribution from senior setter Hannah Hogue, who delivered her 15th double-double of the season with 23 assists and 14 digs, demonstrating her consistent performance this year.
The Match Journey: Set by Set
The first set set the tone for an intense match. Both teams were off to a competitive start, with the score tied multiple times early on. The Bulldogs rallied with a 5-1 run, gaining a 14-9 lead. However, Arkansas quickly countered with a run of their own to tie the game at 14. The scores remained close, with more ties as each team battled for the upper hand. Just when it looked like the Hogs might take control, they fell short with a final error, handing the Bulldogs a 25-23 set victory.
The second set saw a glimmer of hope when Arkansas strung together a brief 3-0 run, even securing a 9-8 lead thanks to an ace from Romani Thurman. However, errors began to creep in for the Hogs, leading to missed opportunities that let the Bulldogs pull ahead. Though Arkansas fought hard and closed the gap, Mississippi State secured the second set 25-21.
With the Hogs needing a win in the third set, things started off well as they took the lead initially. Unfortunately, Mississippi State quickly regained control, and after being down by eight points, Arkansas struggled to keep pace. The Bulldogs sealed the deal with a commanding 25-15 win in the third set, completing the sweep.
Looking Ahead
After a tough match in Starkville, the Razorbacks will be returning to Barnhill Arena for their next clash against the ranked No. 24 Florida Gators. With the Halloween spirit in the air, the night promises to be fun, as fans are encouraged to come in costume for the Big Red’s Halloween Bash. The excitement starts at 7 p.m., and fans can catch all the action live on the SEC Network.
