The University of Arkansas women's volleyball team overcame an early deficit to defeat the University of Oklahoma Sooners 3-1 on Friday at Barnhill Arena, improving their season record to 11-10 and 3-7 in SEC play.
After dropping the first set 19-25, the Razorbacks won the next three (25-23, 25-19, 25-18), fueled by a dominant performance from senior Lakin Laurendine. Laurendine notched a match-high 17 kills with just one error, achieving a .485 hitting percentage. She also had 10 digs, recording her first double-double of the season.
Sophomore Parker Duncan provided significant offensive contributions with 16 kills, and senior Romani Thurman added 10 kills with a .350 hitting percentage. The Razorbacks also displayed defensive strength, tallying 11 team blocks to Oklahoma’s five. Layla Smith led the blocking effort with seven total blocks, two of them solo. Thurman registered five blocks, while sophomore Aleki Alexander contributed three.
Junior setter Kiki Remensperger facilitated the offense with 44 assists, while freshman libero Madi Benne recorded 13 digs to anchor the defense.
The match began with Arkansas responding to an early Oklahoma lead with a 5-0 run, including an ace from Benne. However, the Sooners rallied behind Tekoa Barnes, surging ahead to secure the first set 25-19.
In the second set, Arkansas stayed resilient despite trailing by five at the technical timeout. A 5-1 Razorback run, capped by an ace from Gaby Cornier, brought Arkansas within one point. Thurman’s two key kills later helped push Arkansas ahead, and they held on to win the set 25-23 to level the match.
Momentum shifted further in the third set after Laurendine and Alexander capitalized on key plays. Arkansas limited Oklahoma’s scoring runs and stayed ahead after a technical timeout. A solo block from Smith helped Arkansas reach 20 points, and the Hogs closed out the set 25-19.
The Razorbacks dominated early in the fourth set, using an 11-4 start powered by Duncan’s kills and strong team defense. They maintained control throughout, doubling up on Oklahoma at 16-8. A late push by the Sooners was halted as Duncan sealed both the set (25-18) and the match with another decisive kill.
Arkansas’s performance showcased its offensive and defensive depth, with contributions throughout the roster. The team will aim to build on this momentum in its next SEC outing.