The LSU volleyball team is in danger of falling into a deep hole after losing its first two Southeastern Conference matches this weekend.
The weekend ended for the Tigers on Sunday with a five-set loss to South Carolina.
After losing the first set, the Tigers stormed back, fighting off three set points to take the second set 28-26. LSU used the momentum to cruise to a 25-16 win in the third set.
“I honestly thought that was going to be the turning point,” said LSU coach Fran Flory. “I thought we were going to turn it around and win it in four.”
But the Gamecocks came back strong in the fourth set, winning 25-18. South Carolina then won the final set 15-12, sealing its first victory against the Tigers since 2008.
“They made a couple of adjustments, and we didn’t really respond,” Flory said. “We just gave away a couple of runs and errors that we just couldn’t afford.”
LSU was able to improve its hitting percentage and its blocking percentage from its match against Alabama on Friday.
Flory told her players after the game that, despite the losses, she felt they had become a better team and had taken a big step in the right direction.
“I thought we played with as much heart and as much effort as we possible could,” Flory said. “I am really proud of their effort.”
The Tigers’ woes began before the first serve Friday when senior libero Meghan Mannari suffered a foot injury during pre-game warmups that kept her out for the weekend.
“It’s always hard playing without someone you’re used to playing with for the whole season,” said senior outside hitter Madie Jones.
Things did not get any better for the Tigers, as they went on to fall to Alabama in straight sets.
The Crimson Tide dominated from start to finish, significantly besting LSU in team hitting percentage, digs and blocks.
The loss marked the first time the Tigers have lost to Alabama since 2006, ending an 11-match winning streak against the Tide.
“That wasn’t a good game for our team,” Jones said. “We didn’t show our true colors.”
Jones and junior middle blocker Desiree Elliott paced the Tigers offensively, each recording 25 kills over the weekend. Elliott and freshman middle blocker Khourtni Fears led the Tigers with 10 blocks.
The Tigers will look to bounce back next weekend when they meet Kentucky and Missouri for their first weekend at home.
“Four weekends in a row traveling really gets to you,” Jones said. “We are so ready to be home with our fans.”
