MonticelloLive

For the fourth time, the GSC “Match of the Week” comes to you with another pivotal conference matchup. This week’s contest is between two West Division rivals, Arkansas Tech and Arkansas-Monticello, that has big ramifications on the GSC Tournament.

Arkansas Tech is currently the class of the West Division, putting up a perfect 4-0 record in league action thus far. With an unblemished 10-0 record at home, Kristy Bayer’s squad will look to continue their success on the road in Monticello, Ark., Thursday night. The Golden Suns have the most efficient offense in the GSC, hitting .282 as a team coming into this matchup. That number is even higher in conference play, with ATU boasting a .329 mark in their four GSC wins. ATU has also done a good job of picking up points from the service line, with 134 aces (2nd in the GSC) on the season. This potent offensive attack has allowed Arkansas Tech to be dominant this year, as they have swept their opponent in 10 out of their 17 wins.

UAM enters this matchup looking to secure a spot in postseason play. The Cotton Blossoms are currently in fourth place in the West Division, and are hoping to return to the conference tournament after a one year hiatus in 2007. After a disappointing 11-21 campaign a year ago, Arkansas-Monticello has already eclipsed that win total in 2008. The Cotton Blossoms, currently 14-9, have been strong at home, going 7-3 in Steelman Fieldhouse. The best serving team in the Gulf South, UAM has 185 service aces, averaging 2.18 per set. They are led offensively by junior Jalynn Thornton, who is in the conference top ten in kills per game (2.95). The transfer has 192 kills on the year and headlines UAM head coach Nicole Smith’s team as they attempt to climb their way toward the top of the West Division ladder.

The match is set for 2 p.m. on Thursday, October 9 at Steelman Fieldhouse on the campus of Arkansas-Monticello. Look for a complete wrap up of the match on the GSC’s website, www.gulfsouthconference.org.