The LSU sand volleyball team began its double header in the UNF Sand Invitational in St. Augustine, Florida, with losses to Jacksonville and Georgia State on Saturday.
The Tigers (2-5) lost both matches by the same score of 3-2.
“It was really close, there aren’t a lot of things we could have done differently to pull out the win,” said LSU coach Russell Brock. “We could have passed a little better or served a little better, but there wasn’t much”.
Though the Tigers lost both matches, senior Helen Boyle had an exceptional performance. Boyle and fellow senior Laura Whalen won a set in straight sets against Jacksonville, 21-18. She won another with freshman Cheyenne Wood, 21-18, against Georgia State.
“Helen played very well for us today, winning a match in each game,” Brock said. “When you have somebody playing hard and well making sacrifices, which she did playing with different people, it will inspire teammates to elevate their game.”
Brock said the Tigers were also more disciplined on defense during Saturday’s matches.
LSU started off strong against Jacksonville holding, a 2-1 match lead. Junior Cati Leak and sophomore Callan Molle lead the Tigers by winning straight sets, 21-15, 26-24, but Jacksonville won the final two matches to come out on top.
Freshman Mandi Orellana and junior Katie Lindelow won straight sets against against Georgia State, dropping the first one, 14-21, before bouncing back to claim the set. LSU also held a 2-1 match lead against Georgia State but again fell short in the final two matches.
“Its disappointing to lose when you feel you’ve played well,” Brock said. “We have two more opponents to go up against tomorrow in FIU and College of Charleston, so we’ll try to review some things tonight and hopefully good things will happen”.
The Tigers will play Florida International at 8:30 a.m. and College of Charleston at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday.
“We have to improve on being better inside-out, our serve receives and play more aggressive offensively if we expect to win tomorrow,” Brock said.
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