The LSU volleyball team could not ask for a better start to the 2017 season, sweeping the USF Invitational.  
The Tigers (3-0) defeated the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff (0-3) on Friday by a combined total of 46 points, winning in consecutive sets 25-10, 25-9, and 25-10. The team won both  matches on Saturday against Northwestern (2-1) and University of South Florida (1-2).
“I think the system is different,” said head coach Fran Flory in a televised postgame interview. “We’re more balanced. We have more firepower and more arms and that makes us difficult to defend.”
Sophomore Anna Zwiebel was named the tournament’s MVP and freshmen Taylor Bannister and Raigen Cianciulli were named to the All-Tournament team.
The Tigers gave a preview of what they intend to sustain throughout the rest of the season with their experience incorporated with younger talent.
After two decisive victories and a close thriller, the Tigers have a week to prepare before their next match.
“We’ve got to clean up a few things,” Flory said. “Our blocking wasn’t what we wanted it to be this weekend. I think we did well at times, but we weren’t very disciplined with our hand placement. We weren’t very disciplined with our tracking of our hitters. Our ball control has to continue to progress.”
LSU  will look to continue their early season success against the University of Hartford in the Dog Pound Challenge on Friday, September 1 in Storrs, Connecticut.
“We are excited about the start, but we also know there are still things we need to clean up next week at practice as we prepare for next weekend,” Flory said