15 Jul 2020 UCA Sugar Bears add Arkansas to 2020 schedule

The University of Central Arkansas volleyball team and Head Coach John Newberry recently announced the addition of the University of Arkansas to the 2020 schedule.

For the first time in program history, the Sugar Bears will face the Razorbacks in collegiate competition. UCA will host Arkansas on Saturday, Sept. 12, in the Farris Center for the final match of the UCA invitational. 

“The University of Arkansas is now open to playing its sister institutions in athletics competitions,” said UCA Athletic Director Dr. Brad Teague. “Our coaches have been working with their coaches on scheduling. Many of our teams will play at Fayetteville this coming year. However, our volleyball teams will play at UCA in a few months. It is exciting that our first contest with Arkansas will be on our campus.”

The UCA Invitational will feature matchups against Murray State, UTRGV and Little Rock. All matches will be played in the Farris Center. 

Thursday, Sept. 10

UCA vs. Murray State – 6 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 11

UCA vs. UTRGV – 10:30 a.m.

UCA vs. Little Rock – 6 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 12

UCA vs. Arkansas – 6 p.m.

“We are excited to be making history here in the state of Arkansas,” said Newberry. “Due to travel restrictions from COVID-19, the UCA Invitational tournament was able to accommodate a change of schedule for the Razorback volleyball team. This is a huge shift in the right direction for collegiate sports here in the state. This will save time away from classes and costs of traveling as well as provide a larger fan base and great competition for our student-athletes. Having the opportunity to play Little Rock on a Friday night and Arkansas on Saturday night at UCA is no longer a distant thought. Thank you to the administrators, board of directors and coaches for making this happen. We are looking forward to seeing fans safely enjoying a great sport at UCA.”