Oct. 17, 2003
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Lauren Ford posted 10 kills as South Carolina fell to Southeastern Conference Western Divisional arch-rival Arkansas Friday night 3-0. 11 different players saw action for the Gamecocks as they hit .155 to Arkansas’ .317. Arkansas (15-4, 8-0 SEC) topped the Gamecocks for the second time this season as they out blocked the Gamecocks 10-3. Game scores were 30-28, 20-24 and 30-25.
“Arkansas is a good, experienced team,” said Carolina Head Coach Kim Christopher. “Their setter did an incredible job and holds the team together. We need to step it up. The problem with youth is the inconsistency in the middle of the year. Right now we’re trying to find six people that will step up. We need six players that are going to fulfill their roles or we will stumble.”
The Gamecocks hit only .105 in game one while getting out blocked 3-1. 10 ties and seven lead changes were witnessed in game one as USC was down by as much as six at 26-20 before fighting back. Carolina pulled within one at 29-28 before a Denitza Koleva kill sealed the 30-28 game one win for the Lady ‘Backs.
Both teams served up four aces and two errors in another close game. This time, Arkansas, hitting .353 took a 26-21 lead and kept Carolina from mounting a comeback. Shonda Cole led Carolina in game two with five kills and two service aces while Niece Curry led the Gamecocks defensively with four digs. Arkansas took the game two win 30-24 to lead the match 2-0.
Arkansas sealed the 3-0 match win with a 30-25 game three win. The Lady ‘Backs out hit Carolina .364 to .188 and out blocked the Garnet and Black four to one. Carolina led 19-16 but Arkansas fought back to take a 27-21 lead. Ford led Carolina with four kills while Curry and Mariana Branquinho added two kills.
Carolina faces the Tigers from LSU Sunday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. at the Volleyball Competition Facility, host to the 2003 SEC Volleyball Tournament.
