UA Fort Smith Athletics

Lady Lions prepare for volleyball season opener
 
Jane Sargent is no stranger to high expectations. During her 22 years as head volleyball coach at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Sargent has continually enhanced the program to becoming Arkansas's most successful collegiate volleyball institutions.
 
"We've never had a losing record," said Sargent. "We were a national runner-up during our junior college days, and once we transitioned to the NCAA, we reached the Final Four and Elite Eight in record time. That level of success is a credit to the women who've worn the blue and white."
 
This year the program will be tested like never before. After nine successful years in the Heartland Conference, the Lady Lions will now compete in the Lone Star Conference.
 
"We'll see tougher competition, move to back-to-back playing days, and have to manage the fatigue factor that comes from travelling hours on a bus," said Sargent. "This year is going to be a grind like we've never experienced."
 
Fortunately for the Lady Lions, who've been picked fifth in the Lone Star's preseason poll, they'll be able to lean on a strong core of returning players.
 
"We do have an experienced team," said Sargent. "We're led by outside hitter Anna Demmer, who's having a great pre-season. Rachel Williams, Erin Black, Faith Marbella, Jazzlyn Wells, and Lauren Wood have also contributed to our past success. The strength of our team is defense. We're going to pursue every single ball and hopefully frustrate the other team into making mistakes."
 
In addition to returners, fans will see several new players in uniform, including two familiar faces.
 
"We've recruited two local players," said Sargent, "Erin Black from Greenwood and Hannah Holland from Fort Smith Southside. Everyone is playing well, but if I had to name a few of the standouts, I'd have to say setter Amanda Van Wyk and defensive specialist Lexy Lewis. They are both going to make a huge impact on our team."
 
The Lady Lions begin the season the weekend of Sept. 6 in Rolla, Missouri, with the Missouri S&T Tournament. Conference play begins Sept. 20-21 at the Stubblefield Center when UAFS plays host to Texas Woman's University and Midwestern State.
 
Tickets are on sale now and available at the UAFS Box Office located within the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center or by phone at 479-788-7300.
 
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