Georgia Set for Saturday Matchup at Arkansas

Georgia (4-9, 0-2)
at Arkansas (10-4, 1-2)
Date: Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021
First Serve: 6 p.m., ET
Location: Fayetteville, Ark.
Arena: Barnhill Arena

Media Information
Streaming: SEC Network+
   Play-by-play: Josh Haley
   Analysis: Caitlin Donahoe
Live Stats: GeorgiaDogs.com
Twitter: @UGAvolleyball

First Serve
The Georgia volleyball team travels to Fayetteville, Arkansas for a Southeastern Conference showdown with the Arkansas Razorbacks Saturday evening. First serve between the Bulldogs and Razorbacks is set for 6 p.m., ET.

Follow the Bulldogs
» Saturday's match will be streamed live via SEC Network+. Josh Haley (play-by-play) and Caitlin Donahoe (analyst) will be on the call.
» Live stat links can be found on the volleyball schedule on GeorgiaDogs.com.
» Twitter updates will be available all season long on the official Twitter page of the Bulldogs, @UGAvolleyball.

BULLDOGS BULLETIN
Series History
- Georgia trails the all-time series 12-27
- In Fayetteville, Georgia is 4-13 all time
- Under Tom Black, the Bulldogs have split six times with the Razorbacks
- Georgia has gone to Fayetteville only once (2018) in the last seven meetings dating back to 2016

A Look at What's Ahead
Georgia continues its road swing next week with a two-match series at Texas A&M. Thursday and Friday's matches will each begin at 8 p.m., ET, from Bryan-College Station. Georgia will then return to Stegeman Coliseum to host Tennessee Oct. 15, opening a four-match homestand in Athens.

Let's Recap
The Bulldogs hosted No. 22 Florida at Stegeman Coliseum Wednesday evening in Georgia's first home match since opening weekend. The Gators jumped out to a 2-0 lead before Georgia regrouped and began firing on all cylinders in the third. The Bulldogs led much of the third set in hopes to keep the match alive, but the Gators held on to complete the victory in straight sets.

Coming Out Strong
This season, Georgia has come out of the gate strong, winning the opening set in 10 of its 13 matches played. The Bulldogs have taken opening sets by an average of five points.

Aces Wild
The Bulldogs have had a history of excellent serving under Tom Black and 2021 has been no exception. Through 13 matches, Georgia is fourth in the SEC with 70 total services aces this season. Individually, junior Amber Stivrins ranked third in the SEC with 18.

Blocking Improves in 2020-21
Georgia concluded the 2020-21 season ranked fourth in the SEC in blocking as a team, completing the campaign with 2.25 blocks per set. It was the highest finish in the category under Tom Black. SEC All-Freshman Team member Phoebe Awoleye finished top-five in the league with 1.05 blocks per set as a rookie.

This season, Awoleye is third in the SEC with 56 total blocks and is just outside the top 10 with 1.06 blocks per set.

Rookies Shine on Opening Weekend
Georgia saw four freshmen play in every set on opening weekend, three starting all 11 sets. Setter Clara Brower handed out 10.09 assists per set and ran an offense that hit .299 as a team. She also contributed 17 digs and seven blocks. Outside hitter turned middle blocker Lyric Stewart tallied 2.36 kills per set, hit .467 on the weekend, and led the team with 12 blocks. Outside hitter Abby Maesch led the team with 30 kills and 2.73 kills per set. Defensive specialist Bailey cox put up 18 digs (1.64 d/s) and laid down four service aces.

Bulldogs Set for Strong 2021 Slate of Matches
Eight opponents on Georgia's schedule appeared in the 2020 NCAA Women's Volleyball Tournament, three of which played in the Elite Eight round. Six of Georgia's opponents concluded the season in the AVCA Top 25 including top-10 finishers Kentucky, Florida, and Nebraska.

Breaking Down the Roster
The Bulldogs' roster features 17 student-athletes with a mix of experienced and new talent. Overall, each position on the court comes with a significant amount of depth. The roster breaks down to five seniors, three juniors and sophomores each, and a total of six freshman, five of which are true freshmen. Position wise, the Bulldogs have a near perfect mix at each position. Georgia returns five starters plus its starting libero from last season.

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Phoebe Awoleye

Clara Brower

Abby Maesch

Lyric Stewart

Amber Stivrins