FAYETTEVILLE — Tenth-ranked Arkansas returns to the friendly confines of Barnhill Arena for the first time since February 9 to host Arizona in its first non-conference dual meet of the season.
In this week’s first Regional Qualifying Score (RQS) rankings, the Razorbacks moved back into the top-10 with an average of 196.530 following its second highest road score in program history of 196.875 at No. 5 Florida last Friday.
Arkansas’ score of 196.530 is its highest opening week RQS since 2012.
Three Razorbacks have made their 2018 debut in the all-around in the past two weeks including freshman Sophia Carter, sophomore Hailey Garner and senior Amanda Wellick. In Wellick’s debut at Florida last season, the Razorbacks competed a season high four all-arounders.
Freshman Sarah Shaffer continues her torrid pace through her first full season as a Razorback.
Last Friday at Florida, the Tyler, Texas, native posted the highest scores among freshmen in the SEC on vault, bars and floor. She has recorded a 9.900 in two events two out of the last three weeks, including four out of five on the floor.
How They Compare (Season RQS)
Vault: Arkansas- 49.015, Arizona- 48.895
Bars: Arkansas: 49.165, Arizona- 48.940
Beam: Arkansas- 49.200, Arizona- 48.565
Floor: Arkansas- 49.175, Arizona- 48.950
Total: Arkansas- 196.530, Arizona- 195.180
The Razorbacks have posted scores of 196 or higher in six of the last seven meets. This season, Arkansas has scored a 49.000 or higher in 21 event rotations, after posting similar scores just 18 times all of last season.
Action is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., with pre-meet ceremonies beginning at 6:45 p.m.
Friday’s meet will be Arkansas’ annual pink meet as all fans are encouraged to wear pink to the meet.
The Razorbacks will recognize breast cancer survivors prior the start of the meet and enter the competition area with the Arkansas team to be introduced.
Fans can nominate survivors here to be recognized. Students attending the meet will have a chance to win one of four $100 gift cards.
