Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Newcomers pushing for playing time for Razorbacks
FAYETTEVILLE — There are six newcomers on the 2019 Arkansas women’s volleyball team roster, but junior captain Hailey Dirrigl says the group has come together quickly in the preseason.
“The foundation of our program is just different from any other year that I’ve been here,” Dirrigl said. “It’s a genuine family. It’s real and we care about each other in a way that’s been lacking.”
The Razorbacks struggled to an 11-17 finish and tied for 10th in the Southeastern Con- ference (5-13) a year ago, but Arkansas coach Jason Watson likes what he’s seen so far.
“I feel like collectively the mean level of play in our gym has gotten better,” said Watson, who begins his fourth season at Arkansas. “We’re making changes, so the kids that are returning have put in some time and put in some effort.
“I really like the work that we’re doing and the competitive nature in the gym.”
The Razorbacks, who haven’t been to the NCAA tournament since 2013, open the season this weekend with the Arkansas Classic, hosting Northwestern (La.) State, Montana State and Arkansas-Little Rock in Barnhill
Arena.
Arkansas takes on Northwestern State at noon and faces UALR at 7 on Friday evening. It plays Montana State at 11 a.m. Saturday to finish the weekend.
Middle blocker Elizabeth Pamphile suffered a knee injury in preseason practice, but Watson said she will play on Friday. But he’s unsure how much. The 6-2 junior averaged 2.24 kills and just under one block per set as a starter a year ago.
Devyn Wheeler, a 6-0 transfer from North Florida, will also play in the middle.
The 6-2 Dirrigl was the Razorbacks’ top hitter a year ago, averaging 3.61 kills per set, but she’s worked on all aspects of her game, Watson said.
“She stayed both summer terms, did a magnificent job in the weight room,” Watson said. “She really has been super conscientious to up her game. But more importantly her first-ball contact and ability to dig and pass has gotta get better and she’s identified that and worked hard at it.”
The Razorbacks will likely run a 6-2 offense similar to last year with setters Gracie Ryan and Rachel Rippee at the controls, Watson said.
Several newcomers are pushing for starting spots. Freshman Jill Gillen could start on the left side, while 6-0 freshman Maggie Cartwright could play on the right side. Junior college transfer Savannah Downey is also competing with junior Klaire Trainor, who played high school ball at Springdale Har-Ber, and sophomore Lauren Evans for the libero spot.
“That’s why we recruited them to play,” Watson said. “We didn’t necessarily recruit them to help us as juniors. We recruited them to come and I think they knew that. We recruited them to play.”
Watson hasn’t settled on a starter at libero and that could change throughout the season.
“It may be by committee all season and that’s OK with us,” Watson said. “I think it’s going to be OK with our team, too.”
The Razorbacks were picked to finish ninth in the preseason coaches’ poll, but Dirrigl expects more.
“We are the underdogs,” Dirrigl said. “Honestly, people need to watch out for us. We’re gonna a surprise a lot and I mean a lot of people if we continue on the path we’re on.”