Arkansas women’s basketball fans optimistic as SEC play begins

The Arkansas Razorbacks women’s basketball team opened Southeastern Conference play at home Thursday, hosting Vanderbilt at Bud Walton Arena.While the focus on the court was the conference matchup, fans in attendance shared optimism and cautious expectations about the season so far, particularly under a new coaching staff and a largely rebuilt roster.“It looks really good,” said Lori Plugge, a longtime Razorbacks fan. “I like the new coach. She’s doing well. And almost all new players. I think they know they’re coming along.”Others pointed to Arkansas’ nonconference performance as a key reason for confidence heading into SEC competition.“I thought they’ve had a really tremendous nonconference season up to this point,” said the Holt family. “I think they’ve learned a lot about themselves right now.”Ken Hagans, another fan, said the team has shown promise but still has room to grow.“I’m impressed,” Hagans said. “I think there’s work still to be done, but who doesn’t have work to be done?”With conference play underway, fans said the emphasis now shifts to the areas that matter most against SEC opponents, including execution and physical play.“Free throws,” Plugge said. “And I think they should try shooting more threes.”Denver Holt said defensive consistency will be critical moving forward.“They really need to focus defensively,” he said. “Hopefully their defense can lead to offense, transition buckets.”Hagans highlighted rebounding and interior play as key factors.“A lot of rebounding, a lot of working down low,” he said. “Staying in sync.”Looking ahead, fans of all ages said excitement around the team continues to build as the season progresses.“You never get a lot of games. We go to a lot of games,” Plugge said.The Holt family said they are hoping to see continued momentum. “Just continued success,” they said. “I love to watch these ladies play.”Hagans said he believes wins are on the horizon. “Just looking forward to these wins,” he said. “They’re going to happen. They’re coming.”As Arkansas moves through the SEC schedule, fans said conference play will ultimately define the season and shape what this team becomes.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. —

The Arkansas Razorbacks women’s basketball team opened Southeastern Conference play at home Thursday, hosting Vanderbilt at Bud Walton Arena.

While the focus on the court was the conference matchup, fans in attendance shared optimism and cautious expectations about the season so far, particularly under a new coaching staff and a largely rebuilt roster.

“It looks really good,” said Lori Plugge, a longtime Razorbacks fan. “I like the new coach. She’s doing well. And almost all new players. I think they know they’re coming along.”

Others pointed to Arkansas’ nonconference performance as a key reason for confidence heading into SEC competition.

“I thought they’ve had a really tremendous nonconference season up to this point,” said the Holt family. “I think they’ve learned a lot about themselves right now.”

Ken Hagans, another fan, said the team has shown promise but still has room to grow.

“I’m impressed,” Hagans said. “I think there’s work still to be done, but who doesn’t have work to be done?”

With conference play underway, fans said the emphasis now shifts to the areas that matter most against SEC opponents, including execution and physical play.

“Free throws,” Plugge said. “And I think they should try shooting more threes.”

Denver Holt said defensive consistency will be critical moving forward.

“They really need to focus defensively,” he said. “Hopefully their defense can lead to offense, transition buckets.”

Hagans highlighted rebounding and interior play as key factors.

“A lot of rebounding, a lot of working down low,” he said. “Staying in sync.”

Looking ahead, fans of all ages said excitement around the team continues to build as the season progresses.

“You never get a lot of games. We go to a lot of games,” Plugge said.

The Holt family said they are hoping to see continued momentum. “Just continued success,” they said. “I love to watch these ladies play.”

Hagans said he believes wins are on the horizon. “Just looking forward to these wins,” he said. “They’re going to happen. They’re coming.”

As Arkansas moves through the SEC schedule, fans said conference play will ultimately define the season and shape what this team becomes.