FORT SMITH, Ark. – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith will finally host its long-awaited home opener Friday, hosting Dallas Baptist University at 6 p.m. at Gayle Kaundart Arena at the Stubblefield Center.
UAFS will then welcome Texas Woman's University to the Stubblefield Center Saturday for a 1 p.m. first serve.
Both matches will be streamed on the Lone Star Conference Digital Network and will have radio broadcasts on KHGG-FM 103.5. Live stats will be available at uafortsmithlions.com.
NOTES:
LAST WEEK: UAFS suffered a pair of defeats to open Lone Star Conference play, falling 3-0 to both Lubbock Christian and Angelo State on the road.
HOME OPENER: UAFS is a perfect 12-0 in home openers at the NCAA II level. Removing last spring, September 24 is the latest date for a home opener.
AT THE NET: UAFS continues to lead the LSC in blocks and ranks 20th nationally, averaging 2.38 blocks per set. Middle blockers Hannah Holland and Chyra Thompson are fourth and sixth in the league, respectively, at 1.03 and 1.00 blocks per set.
SERVE 'EM UP: UAFS is tied with West Texas A&M for the league lead with 1.90 aces per set.
SCOUTING DBU: The Patriots have played just three matches after being shut down for Covid protocols earlier this year, splitting last week's conference matches against St. Mary's and St. Edward's. DBU brings a 2-1 record to Fort Smith, led by outside hitter Halee Van Poppel, who leads the team in kills and is third in digs. Head Coach Jordan Fish is in her first season at the helm of the Patriots.
SCOUTING TWU: The Pioneers also split last weekend's matches and have posted a 5-6 mark in 2021. TWU uses a balanced attack offensively, with seven players with more than 44 kills and none with more than 68. Sydney Stroh leads the TWU defense with 4.54 digs per set.
