The LSU volleyball team’s rollercoaster performance in its matches against Purdue and Miami this weekend added two more losses to its 1-7 record.
The Tigers started their home opener losing to No. 20 Purdue in three sets. The Boilermakers (6-1) dominated the game from their first serve, but it was the blocking the Tigers could not overcome.
“We created some great offense, but their blocking took that away, and, instead of being resilient and tough, we backed off,” said coach Fran Flory.
Purdue controlled the tempo with quick passes and strong kills, taking a double-digit lead after 15 minutes into the first set.
“We knew they were fast and didn’t come out prepared for how quick they actually were,” said senior outside hitter Cati Leak. “Instead of slowing it down and playing our style, we got caught up in their style and tried to be as quick, but that’s just not us.”
Leak led the team with 12 kills and also contributed two digs and two solo blocks. Sophomore outside hitter Mimi Eugene followed with eight kills, nine digs and one assist.
Purdue won the first set 25-10, the second 25-21 and the deciding third 25-17.
The focus for Sunday’s matchup against Miami was to control the serve and pass game and the rhythm, Flory said. LSU involved its middles on offense more, but it still wasn’t enough for its first home win of the season.
“I think we lost it when we tried to win the match rather than executing the play,” Flory said. “And we started playing to the scoreboard rather than scoring points.”
The Tigers started the game strong and confident with improved blocking and great performances by senior defensive specialist Haley Smith, Leak and sophomore setter Cheyenne Wood but lost in four sets, 3-1.
Smith finished the game with 21 digs and nine assists, and Leak led the team with 21 kills and 10 digs. Wood contributed with 39 assists, 11 digs and three kills.
“We have to have a more balanced offense,” Flory said. “Our defense, passing and ball control is as good as everybody on our schedule, but our offensive is not there.”
LSU faces conference teams starting Sept. 23 at home against Arkansas.
Though the team said it’s frustrated with the win-loss column, the coaching staff feels ready.
“This preseason was designed for a different team, and the lack of personnel we have is a challenge,” Flory said. “But every team we have played so far is an NCAA Tournament-caliber team, and not all SEC team we will face are on that level. I think we are going to be more ready than our team thinks, so as a staff, we are doing our job to keeping them focused.”