After its first four conference games, the LSU volleyball team sits 1-3 in the Southeastern Conference thanks to its defensive struggles.
The Tigers rank 11th out of 13 teams in the SEC in opponent hitting percentage. Including non-conference matches, LSU is last in the SEC in that category.
LSU coach Fran Flory said the defense must improve if the Tigers have hopes of contending this season.
“I don’t think our defense is where it needs to be,” Flory said. “Our blocking is pretty good, but our backcourt defense is not where it needs to be, and that’s been a point of emphasis.”
The Tigers are second in the SEC in conference-only blocks per match, but are in the middle of the pack, 5th of 13, in digs per set.
The backcourt has new faces including freshmen Mimi Eugene, Kelly Quinn and Cheyenne Wood, who are still developing chemistry with veterans like junior defensive specialist Haley Smith.
According to Smith, chemistry is the biggest problem the Tigers have defensively.
“We’re working to get the backcourt and the front row of the defense to work as one and move as one unit,” Smith said. “Sometimes the block timing is off, which makes our backcourt defense not make the right read or be in the right position … It’s fundamental volleyball that we need a little experience together [to correct].”
On top of moving in unison, Flory said the Tigers’ defense can improve through the team’s serves, especially when they don’t get an ace.
“Statistically, we’re a better serving team in terms of ace-to-error,” Flory said. “But we’re not necessarily controlling their offense on the other opportunities that we’re not serving aces. That balance in serving needs to be a part of [improving the defense] as well.”
So far in conference, LSU has faced Florida, Arkansas, Kentucky and Alabama. Those teams rank second, third, fourth and sixth in conference-only hitting percentage.
Flory said these teams are some of most efficient in the conference for a reason, and her team will improve as the season goes along.
“We’ve played the three top teams in the league right now,” Flory said. “Those are three very efficient teams — three teams that haven’t lost many matches in the SEC or out of the SEC. Then you throw Arkansas in there who’s a pretty solid team and has a defining pen hitter that’s going to hit at a high efficiency. The tell-tale will be where we end the season once we’ve played some different people.”

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Javier Fernández

LSU sophomore middle blocker Briana Holman (13) looks at the ball as Florida junior Mackenzie Dagostino (6) prepares to make the play during the Tigers' 1-3 defeat against Florida Friday, October 3, 2014 in the PMAC.