Matt Flynn and Ryan Perrilloux are not the only ringleaders splitting playing time for LSU this season. Sophomore Maggie Lonergan and freshman Brittney Johnson have done the same for the LSU volleyball team. These two helped LSU to the Southeastern Conference Western Division lead this past weekend as the Tigers (15-2, 7-1) defeated Alabama, 3-2, on Friday and Mississippi State, 3-1, on Sunday in the PMAC. Lonergan started at setter against Alabama before being replaced by Johnson in game two of the match. Johnson then started her first SEC match Sunday before Lonergan replaced her midway through. Both matches required the No. 20 Tigers to come back after first-game losses. LSU coach Fran Flory said she was proud of her team’s resiliency but was also disappointed the Tigers had to come from behind. “We did a very poor job of remaining consistent and focused,” Flory said. “I’m not sure if we were tired or what, but we’ve got to get that fixed before next weekend.” Lonergan led the Tigers with 34 assists against Mississippi State (6-11, 1-7), while Johnson posted a team-high 39 against Alabama (8-9, 5-3). Flory said the Tigers were out of sync offensively in the beginning of the match because their ball control. She said unexpected adversity is a disadvantage for Johnson. “That kind of handcuffs Brittney because she’s not experienced enough to handle those types of situations,” Flory said. “Friday night we were passing really well and gave up no receiving errors. [Sunday] we weren’t passing very well, and Maggie [Lonergan] does a much better job of forcing opportunities for our hitters.” Flory said Lonergan has developed more of a chemistry with the Tigers’ middle blockers, while Johnson has done a better job of setting for the Tigers outside hitters. “I’ve had more practice with Maggie because she’s played more,” said sophomore middle blocker Lauren DeGirolamo. “It’s only a matter of time until Brittney and I feel more comfortable.” DeGirolamo and junior outside hitter Kyna Washington led the Tigers with 18 kills Sunday. Junior Cristina Jucan’s 15 kills led the Bulldogs. Alabama’s loss to Ole Miss on Sunday combined with LSU’s win against Mississippi State gives the Tigers a two game lead in the SEC West standings.
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