In a one-on-one conversation, Brittnee Cooper’s demeanor is shy and reserved, a far cry from what the LSU volleyball team’s opponents have seen this season.
On the court, the sophomore middle blocker is one of the most energetic and versatile Tigers, making an impact on both offense and defense in her first season as a full-time starter.
The Houston native doesn’t like talking about herself or her accomplishments this season, but her statistics speak for themselves.
Cooper is No. 3 in kills for the Tigers this season and No. 2 in hitting percentage, all while leading the team in blocks.
She posted a career-high 21 kills and .613 hitting percentage earlier this week in LSU’s five-game win against Notre Dame.
The performance in LSU’s third-straight victory earned Cooper the title of LSU Female Athlete of the Week. She and the Tigers (18-4, 9-3) will try to keep their hot streak going this weekend on the road when they face No. 10 Florida and unranked South Carolina.
Cooper said coming into the season, she did not anticipate having the impact on the team that she has had so far.
“I really didn’t expect my numbers to be that high, but I’m really glad its happening,” she said.
Cooper had four matches this season in which she posted double-digit kills and blocks. Three of those matches have come in the Tigers’ past five outings.
LSU coach Fran Flory said Cooper’s progress has been something she has been waiting for since this past season.
“I actually thought she would come along a little faster last year, but she had a foot problem that really held her back,” Flory said.
Cooper played in 35 games in 15 matches in 2006, and replaced Melody Clark as the starting middle blocker alongside sophomore Lauren DeGirolamo this season.
“[Cooper] is a player that can be a defining force in a game and in a match,” Flory said. “We’re going to continue to try to create more opportunities to get her the ball.”
Cooper figures to play an integral role this weekend against Florida and South Carolina.
The Gators (18-1, 11-1) beat the Tigers 3-1 earlier this season in the PMAC. Florida has been ranked in the CSTV/AVCA poll for the entire season and has won a staggering 16-straight Southeastern Conference titles.
The Gators’ only loss this season was a five-game loss against Arkansas two weekends ago, a match in which the Lady Razorbacks were down 14-10 in the final game and rallied to win, 20-18.
“I think Florida’s a really good team, but I also think we can play with them,” said junior outside hitter Marina Skender. “We can certainly play good volleyball with them. I don’t think they’re unbeatable.”
Flory said at this point in the season, both LSU and Florida can easily predict what their opponent will try to do on the court.
“Every team has played each other,” Flory said. “You know what to expect. The outcome is going to be a matter of who executes at a high enough level to succeed.”
Skender said the Tigers’ three-straight home victories have prepared them for what could be their toughest match of the season, a road contest against a top-10 team.
“We needed those wins,” Skender said. “We dropped out of the rankings. We don’t let that bother us much, but it’s in the back of our minds.”
Despite winning three straight games, the Tigers dropped out of the top 25 for the first time since early in the 2006 season.
LSU has also fallen a half game behind Alabama (13-9, 10-3) in the SEC West standings.
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