
Senior Evie Grace Singleton will lead MSU's attack into Wednesday night's contest at Arkansas.
Dogs Travel To Arkansas For SEC Network Midweek Matchup
October 25, 2016 | Volleyball
STARKVILLE, Miss. – After a successful one-match stint at home, the Mississippi State Bulldogs (12-11, 4-5 SEC) are back on the road as they head to Fayetteville to take on the Arkansas Razorbacks (3-18, 1-8 SEC) in a Wednesday night SEC Network contest.
The midweek national television clash is set for a 7 p.m. CT first serve, with Courtney Lyle and Missy Whittemore on the call. Fans can also access the match online at www.WatchESPN.com or on their phones/tablets with the ESPN app.
MSU and Arkansas will meet for the first of two showdowns this season as the Dogs will look to capture some rare success in Fayetteville. State is looking to snap an eight-match losing streak to the Hogs, with its last win coming in Starkville, a 3-2 victory on Sept. 24, 2010. A win would be just the sixth in school history against the Razorbacks and the second on the road, with the only other one coming on Oct. 28, 2007.
"This is a great opportunity for our team to keep the ball rolling after a big win last Sunday," MSU coach David McFatrich said. "We're nearing the homestretch of conference play and every match becomes more and more crucial. It's a quick turnaround from the weekend, but I know this team is prepared for the challenge."
It's been a balanced gameplan for the Dogs so far in 2016, as they bring a strong offensive showing paired with one of the best blocking seasons in recent history.
The Bulldog attack is led by the senior-freshman combo of Evie Grace Singleton and Emily Hill. Singleton has been one of the top offensive threats in the SEC this season, dominating the game on the attack as well as from the service line. Singleton's 42 aces top the league and stand sixth in the nation, while she places second in the SEC with 415.5 points (19th NCAA) and 356 kills (26th NCAA).
Meanwhile, Hill has put together one of the best freshman campaigns in MSU history. Her 267 kills are second on both the team and amongst all freshmen in the SEC. That total also stands seventh all-time in the MSU freshman record books, while her 705 attacks stand eighth.
On the defensive side, there is no doubt that senior Jazmyne Johnson has been MSU's leader for the 2016 campaign. Her 105 blocks lead the team and the SEC, while her 1.17 blocks per set are eighth-most in the league. Johnson is the first Bulldog to do so since Lainey Wyman in 2011.
Johnson's defensive prowess is the key behind what has been one of the best blocking seasons in Mississippi State history. The Dogs have accumulated 198.5 total denials this season, which is second-best in the conference. They have also tallied nine match this year with 10-plus blocks, the most since earning nine in 2011.
Rounding out the MSU lineup is sophomore setter Blossom Sato and senior libero Cheyenne Spell. Sato paces the team with 647 assists, while Spell is the team's digs leader with 281 through the first 23 matches of the year.
MSU will finish out the week in Columbia, Mo., with a Sunday, Oct. 30 contest at Missouri (18-3, 9-0 SEC). First serve is set for 1:30 p.m. on SEC Network +.
Match Day Info…
Wednesday, Oct. 26
Mississippi State (12-11, 4-5 SEC) at Arkansas (3-18, 1-8 SEC) – 7 p.m. CT
SEC Network (Courtney Lyle & Missy Whittemore)
Fayetteville, Ark.
Barnhill Arena
Last Time Out…
The Dogs split their two matches from last weekend, as they dropped a three-set contest at the No. 10 Florida Gators, but swept the Tennessee Volunteers at home. The Sunday victory snapped a four-match losing streak for the Dogs, returning them to the win column and putting them back above .500 for the year.
Friday, Oct. 21
No. 10 Florida def. Mississippi State, 3-0 (25-12, 25-13, 25-17)
Sunday, Oct. 23
Mississippi State def. Tennessee, 3-0 (25-21, 25-18, 25-23)
Leading The Bulldogs…
Kills: Evie Grace Singleton, 356
Assists: Blossom Sato, 647
Aces: Evie Grace Singleton, 42
Digs: Cheyenne Spell, 281
Blocks: Jazmyne Johnson, 105
Points: Evie Grace Singleton, 415.5
A Bulldog Win Would…
Series History…
Overall: Arkansas leads, 38-5
In Fayetteville: Arkansas leads, 20-1
Last Meeting: Arkansas def. Mississippi State, 3-0 (Nov. 8, 2015 in Starkville)
Current Streak: Arkansas, +8
Scouting The Arkansas Razorbacks…
Arkansas enters the weekend having struggled recently, riding an eight-match losing streak. The Hogs are 3-18 this year with a 1-8 record in the SEC.
Danielle Harbin enters Wednesday as Arkansas' leader with 305 kills. Rachel Rippee tops the team in assists (615) and aces (17), while Okiana Valle leads UA with 301 digs. Ana Sofia Jusino leads the Hogs with 67 total blocks.
Taking Down Arkansas = Big Things For The Dogs ...
To say a win on Wednesday at Arkansas would make some history would be a tad bit of an understatement. It would be State's sixth victory in school history against the Razorbacks and the first since winning 3-2 in Starkville on Sept. 24, 2010 (eight-match losing streak). The win would also be MSU's second in Fayetteville in school history, with the other coming on Oct. 28, 2007.
Magic Number Down To Five ...
The countdown to a second-straight winning season is on for State. MSU's magic number is down to five after Sunday's win against Tennessee, which would put the Dogs at 17 wins for the year. It would mark the second-straight winning season for just the third time in school history and first since 2005-06.
Eight more wins would put MSU at 20 wins on the year, the first time that feat has been accomplished since 1989. It would also be just the fourth time in program history the Dogs have won 20 matches.
Winning The Attacking Battle Is Crucial ...
To say coming out on top in the hitting percentage battle is key for the Bulldogs may be an understatement. MSU is undefeated (11-0) this year when out-hitting its opponent and is 1-11 when losing the attacking battle. MSU took down Tennessee in its SEC opener for its first win when losing the attacking battle, hitting .204 to the Volunteers' .278.
The First Set Is The Key ...
One early trend discovered with the 2016 Bulldogs lies within the first set. State is 10-3 when capturing the first set, but when 2-8 when unable to do so. Winning the first two sets almost assures the Bulldogs of victory, as they are 8-1 this year when doing so.
State Bringing Blocking Back In Style ...
MSU has excelled in a number of statistical categories this season, but none have been better than the Bulldogs' blocking game. State has tallied nine double-digit block performances this season so far and have earned 198.5 total. The nine matches with 10-plus blocks are the most in a season since recording nine in 2011.
Johnson Top On The Block ...
Senior Jazmyne Johnson has been a stud so far this year defensively, leading MSU's blocking presence with 105 total. She is the first Bulldog since Lainey Wyman in 2011 to record 100 total blocks in a season and currently stands just 8 blocks away from tying for 10th place on the MSU single-season blocks list.
Hill Putting Together Impressive Freshman Campaign…
Through 23 matches, Emily Hill has put together one of the more impressive freshman campaigns this season. With 267 kills, Hill is second amongst all freshmen in the SEC. She now has the seventh-most kills in a season by an MSU freshman and the eighth-most attacks (705).
Sato Cracks Career Assists Top 10…
She's just a sophomore, but already making moves in the MSU record book. After earning 18 assists on Sunday, Blossom Sato moved her career total to 1,519. She stands 27 away from tying for ninth place.
Live Broadcast…
Wednesday's match will be nationally televised on the SEC Network. Fans can also access the broadcast online through WatchESPN.com, the ESPN app or by clicking the link below.
Mississippi State at Arkansas SEC Network/SEC Network + Broadcast
Live Stats…
Arkansas will provide live stats for Wednesday night's contest. Fans can access them through the link below.
Mississippi State at Arkansas Live Stats
Admission…
General admission tickets for Wednesday night's match are $5 for adults. Youth 17 and younger get in for free. Tickets can be purchased in advance by contacting the Razorback Ticket Center at 479-575-5151 or starting one hour before match time at Barnhill Arena at the South or North entrances.
Up Next…
State closes out the week with a Sunday afternoon match at Missouri (18-3, 9-0 SEC). The Bulldogs and Tigers face off at 1:30 p.m. CT and will be digitally broadcast on the SEC Network +.
Social Media…
For more information on Mississippi State volleyball, follow the Bulldogs on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching for "HailStateVB." You can also find all-access coverage of the program on SnapChat by searching for "HailStateSnap."
The midweek national television clash is set for a 7 p.m. CT first serve, with Courtney Lyle and Missy Whittemore on the call. Fans can also access the match online at www.WatchESPN.com or on their phones/tablets with the ESPN app.
MSU and Arkansas will meet for the first of two showdowns this season as the Dogs will look to capture some rare success in Fayetteville. State is looking to snap an eight-match losing streak to the Hogs, with its last win coming in Starkville, a 3-2 victory on Sept. 24, 2010. A win would be just the sixth in school history against the Razorbacks and the second on the road, with the only other one coming on Oct. 28, 2007.
"This is a great opportunity for our team to keep the ball rolling after a big win last Sunday," MSU coach David McFatrich said. "We're nearing the homestretch of conference play and every match becomes more and more crucial. It's a quick turnaround from the weekend, but I know this team is prepared for the challenge."
It's been a balanced gameplan for the Dogs so far in 2016, as they bring a strong offensive showing paired with one of the best blocking seasons in recent history.
The Bulldog attack is led by the senior-freshman combo of Evie Grace Singleton and Emily Hill. Singleton has been one of the top offensive threats in the SEC this season, dominating the game on the attack as well as from the service line. Singleton's 42 aces top the league and stand sixth in the nation, while she places second in the SEC with 415.5 points (19th NCAA) and 356 kills (26th NCAA).
Meanwhile, Hill has put together one of the best freshman campaigns in MSU history. Her 267 kills are second on both the team and amongst all freshmen in the SEC. That total also stands seventh all-time in the MSU freshman record books, while her 705 attacks stand eighth.
On the defensive side, there is no doubt that senior Jazmyne Johnson has been MSU's leader for the 2016 campaign. Her 105 blocks lead the team and the SEC, while her 1.17 blocks per set are eighth-most in the league. Johnson is the first Bulldog to do so since Lainey Wyman in 2011.
Johnson's defensive prowess is the key behind what has been one of the best blocking seasons in Mississippi State history. The Dogs have accumulated 198.5 total denials this season, which is second-best in the conference. They have also tallied nine match this year with 10-plus blocks, the most since earning nine in 2011.
Rounding out the MSU lineup is sophomore setter Blossom Sato and senior libero Cheyenne Spell. Sato paces the team with 647 assists, while Spell is the team's digs leader with 281 through the first 23 matches of the year.
MSU will finish out the week in Columbia, Mo., with a Sunday, Oct. 30 contest at Missouri (18-3, 9-0 SEC). First serve is set for 1:30 p.m. on SEC Network +.
Match Day Info…
Wednesday, Oct. 26
Mississippi State (12-11, 4-5 SEC) at Arkansas (3-18, 1-8 SEC) – 7 p.m. CT
SEC Network (Courtney Lyle & Missy Whittemore)
Fayetteville, Ark.
Barnhill Arena
Last Time Out…
The Dogs split their two matches from last weekend, as they dropped a three-set contest at the No. 10 Florida Gators, but swept the Tennessee Volunteers at home. The Sunday victory snapped a four-match losing streak for the Dogs, returning them to the win column and putting them back above .500 for the year.
Friday, Oct. 21
No. 10 Florida def. Mississippi State, 3-0 (25-12, 25-13, 25-17)
Sunday, Oct. 23
Mississippi State def. Tennessee, 3-0 (25-21, 25-18, 25-23)
Leading The Bulldogs…
Kills: Evie Grace Singleton, 356
Assists: Blossom Sato, 647
Aces: Evie Grace Singleton, 42
Digs: Cheyenne Spell, 281
Blocks: Jazmyne Johnson, 105
Points: Evie Grace Singleton, 415.5
A Bulldog Win Would…
- Snap an eight-match losing streak to Arkansas (Last W, 3-2 on Sept. 24, 2010 in Starkville)
- Be MSU's second-ever win in Fayetteville (Oct. 28, 2007)
- Tie sixth place for most SEC wins in a season (5)
- Put them four wins away from securing their second-straight winning season for the third time in school history and first since 2005-06
Series History…
Overall: Arkansas leads, 38-5
In Fayetteville: Arkansas leads, 20-1
Last Meeting: Arkansas def. Mississippi State, 3-0 (Nov. 8, 2015 in Starkville)
Current Streak: Arkansas, +8
Scouting The Arkansas Razorbacks…
Arkansas enters the weekend having struggled recently, riding an eight-match losing streak. The Hogs are 3-18 this year with a 1-8 record in the SEC.
Danielle Harbin enters Wednesday as Arkansas' leader with 305 kills. Rachel Rippee tops the team in assists (615) and aces (17), while Okiana Valle leads UA with 301 digs. Ana Sofia Jusino leads the Hogs with 67 total blocks.
Taking Down Arkansas = Big Things For The Dogs ...
To say a win on Wednesday at Arkansas would make some history would be a tad bit of an understatement. It would be State's sixth victory in school history against the Razorbacks and the first since winning 3-2 in Starkville on Sept. 24, 2010 (eight-match losing streak). The win would also be MSU's second in Fayetteville in school history, with the other coming on Oct. 28, 2007.
Magic Number Down To Five ...
The countdown to a second-straight winning season is on for State. MSU's magic number is down to five after Sunday's win against Tennessee, which would put the Dogs at 17 wins for the year. It would mark the second-straight winning season for just the third time in school history and first since 2005-06.
Eight more wins would put MSU at 20 wins on the year, the first time that feat has been accomplished since 1989. It would also be just the fourth time in program history the Dogs have won 20 matches.
Winning The Attacking Battle Is Crucial ...
To say coming out on top in the hitting percentage battle is key for the Bulldogs may be an understatement. MSU is undefeated (11-0) this year when out-hitting its opponent and is 1-11 when losing the attacking battle. MSU took down Tennessee in its SEC opener for its first win when losing the attacking battle, hitting .204 to the Volunteers' .278.
The First Set Is The Key ...
One early trend discovered with the 2016 Bulldogs lies within the first set. State is 10-3 when capturing the first set, but when 2-8 when unable to do so. Winning the first two sets almost assures the Bulldogs of victory, as they are 8-1 this year when doing so.
State Bringing Blocking Back In Style ...
MSU has excelled in a number of statistical categories this season, but none have been better than the Bulldogs' blocking game. State has tallied nine double-digit block performances this season so far and have earned 198.5 total. The nine matches with 10-plus blocks are the most in a season since recording nine in 2011.
Johnson Top On The Block ...
Senior Jazmyne Johnson has been a stud so far this year defensively, leading MSU's blocking presence with 105 total. She is the first Bulldog since Lainey Wyman in 2011 to record 100 total blocks in a season and currently stands just 8 blocks away from tying for 10th place on the MSU single-season blocks list.
Hill Putting Together Impressive Freshman Campaign…
Through 23 matches, Emily Hill has put together one of the more impressive freshman campaigns this season. With 267 kills, Hill is second amongst all freshmen in the SEC. She now has the seventh-most kills in a season by an MSU freshman and the eighth-most attacks (705).
Sato Cracks Career Assists Top 10…
She's just a sophomore, but already making moves in the MSU record book. After earning 18 assists on Sunday, Blossom Sato moved her career total to 1,519. She stands 27 away from tying for ninth place.
Live Broadcast…
Wednesday's match will be nationally televised on the SEC Network. Fans can also access the broadcast online through WatchESPN.com, the ESPN app or by clicking the link below.
Mississippi State at Arkansas SEC Network/SEC Network + Broadcast
Live Stats…
Arkansas will provide live stats for Wednesday night's contest. Fans can access them through the link below.
Mississippi State at Arkansas Live Stats
Admission…
General admission tickets for Wednesday night's match are $5 for adults. Youth 17 and younger get in for free. Tickets can be purchased in advance by contacting the Razorback Ticket Center at 479-575-5151 or starting one hour before match time at Barnhill Arena at the South or North entrances.
Up Next…
State closes out the week with a Sunday afternoon match at Missouri (18-3, 9-0 SEC). The Bulldogs and Tigers face off at 1:30 p.m. CT and will be digitally broadcast on the SEC Network +.
Social Media…
For more information on Mississippi State volleyball, follow the Bulldogs on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching for "HailStateVB." You can also find all-access coverage of the program on SnapChat by searching for "HailStateSnap."
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