The LSU volleyball team began the 2013 season determined to make it back to the postseason NCAA Tournament after failing to qualify in 2012.
The Tigers (18-12, 8-10 Southeastern Conference) had appeared in the tournament six of the previous eight years.
But the team recommitted themselves to the program and set its goals high despite the relative youth of the team.
“[This season] is going to be a year of change for this program,” said head coach Fran Flory at the team’s media day. “It started in spring with a recommitment from our young players, mostly our freshman and sophomore classes.”
The Tigers only had one senior — middle blocker Desiree Elliott — and relied heavily on contributions from the younger players.
Freshman middle blocker Briana Holman stepped up in a big way all season, leading the team with 371 kills. Holman’s performance was good for a spot on the All-SEC Freshman Team as well as the All-SEC Team.
“I think she’ll be the next All-American here,” Flory said. “I put her on the same level of [former LSU middle blocker] Brittnee Cooper who was a first team All-American and a special person athletically. [Holman is] better than Brittnee as a freshman — she’s had more impact on her team.”
The Tigers got out to a sizzling start in 2013 as they won their first seven contests before falling to Miami on the road.
Their SEC schedule offered a roller coaster ride of peaks and valleys as the young Tigers slowly learned what it takes to be a winner in grueling conference competition.
Their 18 wins were good enough to achieve the preseason goal of competing at the NCAA Tournament. LSU is grateful for its whirlwind season because it has prepared the Tigers for any situation they might face in the tournament, said junior setter Malorie Pardo.
“It’s been a roller coaster season,” Pardo said. “I think that’s what makes us such a great team. We’ve been through everything a team can imagine, which is going to help us in the tournament.”
While winning games is most definitely the team’s focus, the tournament will provide a young LSU team with unprecedented experience and an opportunity to grow up.
With all but one athlete returning for next season, the young Tigers have shown a lot of promise this season and are looking forward to showcasing their ability in the NCAA Tournament as well as the seasons to come.