The LSU volleyball team looks to build on its three-game winning streak in its Southeastern Conference opener against the University of Arkansas tonight at 8 p.m. in the PMAC.
LSU (4-7) won in five sets the last two times the Razorbacks (10-2) came to visit, but after adding former University of Texas junior outside hitter Pilar Victoria and senior middle blocker Chanell Clark-Bibbs playing in top form, Arkansas is off to a strong start to the 2015 season.
“Arkansas is coming in as one of the hottest teams in the SEC, so we know this is going to be a big challenge for us,” said LSU coach Fran Flory. “They are physical and different than we have seen them in the past, but Arkansas-LSU matchups are always a battle and great entertaining, high level volleyball.”
The Tigers are coming off a successful weekend, going undefeated in a three-game tournament against LIU-Brooklyn, California State University, Northridge and University of New Mexico, while Arkansas’ gained momentum from its ranked win against No. 11 Wisconsin on Saturday.
While the University of Wisconsin game was part of Arkansas’ season’s big start, the Tigers’ winning streak is a sign of positive progression.
“We’re getting way more comfortable in our roles and trust each other in between plays,” said sophomore setter Cheyenne Wood. “Our defense, movement and flow have also gotten much better than it was in the start of the season.”
The Tigers are on the way to stabilizing their offense, but they still plan on continuing to rely on their strong defensive play.
“Our blocking has improved, our offensive is coming around and improving every match,” Flory said. “Chanell Clark-Bibbs is going to get double digit kills, so we have to control the rest of them and be efficient on our side of the net. We have to be careful to not focus on stopping one person, but take care of the things we can control, and balance the things we try to stop on their side.”
After playing in all 12 games for the Razorbacks, Arkansas’ Clark-Bibbs averages .441 hitting percentage and 14 kills a game, with a season high 29 kills against Wisconsin. LSU will rely on its depth to maximize its abilities and find the best working defense.
“It’s a fun puzzle to put together for the coaching staff, but it can be challenging,” Flory said. “We are beginning to get some consistency and reliability. Olivia Beyer has led that way in the middle and Toni Rodriguez showed she’s an up-and-comer who is going to continue getting better. Our sophomore class in general did a much better job this weekend than earlier in the season.”