Arkansas Sports 360 - ArkansasSports360.com

5/30/2011 at 12:42pm

Dave Van Horn admitted he was shocked Sunday when he learned Arkansas didn’t get an NCAA Regional. Van Horn expressed mild surprise Monday afternoon when the Razorbacks learned they’d be headed to the Tempe Regional (Arizona State).

Now that the initial disbelief has worn off, Van Horn is ready to move on. His focus is on the regional, which begins Friday with a game against third-seeded Charlotte (42-14), the Atlantic-10 Conference champion. Arkansas (38-20) will be the No. 2 seed.

“When our name didn’t pop up, initially I was kind of shocked. I thought we were for sure hosting. Then I moved on. We’ve got to move on. That’s the way it is. Sometimes you get the draw. Sometimes you don’t.”

Arkansas seemed to be a lock for a regional heading into the weekend. Not only were the Razorbacks ranked among the Top 15 in RPI, they won a couple of games in the SEC Tournament and routinely draw some of the nation’s best crowds.

But the NCAA selection committee had other plans. Now the Razorbacks are headed to Tempe, where they were eliminated by Arizona State in a Super Regional last year.

Catcher James McCann said going to Tempe is “bittersweet.” Arkansas is excited about the prospect of facing the Sun Devils, but wanted to host.

“We feel like we did everything we could to host,” McCann said. “It’s a bitter feeling to not be able to host. We’ll go on the road and do all we can.”

Arkansas players and coaches are ready to move on, but expressed disappointment for Arkansas fans. Traditionally, they pack Baum and travel well when proximity is good, but few will get a chance to get to Tempe.

“I feel bad for the fans. I’m just glad we’re in the tournament,” Van Horn said. “I know the players are. But I feel bad for the fans. It’s hard to get to Tempe.”

Tagged: James McCann, Tempe Regional, NCAA Regional, Arizona State, Dave Van Horn, Arkansas Razorbacks