The LSU volleyball team got its chance at vengeance Sunday and took full advantage.
After being swept by Ole Miss (17-8, 11-5) earlier in the season, the No. 16 Tigers (22-2, 13-2) clawed back to take round two of the Southeastern Conference showdown.
The Tigers won in four sets (23-25, 25-15, 28-26, 25-21).
The Tigers fell in the first set and won a sloppy second set entering intermission.
LSU coach Fran Flory said the Tigers weren’t playing their game and credited Ole Miss for working them on every point.
“I thought we played in the beginning of the match not to lose rather than just attacking and playing to win and playing the way we play,” Flory said. “You have to credit Ole Miss because they are such a great defensive team, and they can frustrate the heck out of you offensively.”
The LSU offense faced a tough challenge against the Rebel defense, which leads the SEC with 16.14 digs per set.
The Tigers got a big performance from sophomore outside hitter Madie Jones, who racked up 18 kills on 42 swings for a .310 attack percentage.
“We’ve moved Madie, and we create a little more for her,” Flory said. “She’s getting some nice swings on the right side, and she’s able to get some seams. She’s having better opportunities in system … and I think that was a great performance by Madie.”
Despite the overall sloppy performance by the Tigers, Flory said LSU outplayed the Rebels in their own game.
Four Tigers reached the double-digit dig plateau in the match, including 20 digs from junior libero Lauren Waclawczyk.
“I’m really proud of our defensive effort,” Flory said. “That was in my mind the determining factor in this match.”
Jones said the revenge on the Rebels was sweet.
“We’ve been preparing all week for this match, and we were really excited,” Jones said. “We wanted to come back since we lost to them the first time around and play our hearts out and play for everyone here.”
The Tigers hit the road again next weekend, traveling to Knoxville, Tenn., Friday night to take on the Tennessee Volunteers.
They finish the weekend Sunday in Lexington, Ky., against the Kentucky Wildcats.
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Contact Mark Clements at [email protected]