The LSU volleyball team experienced something new last weekend — losing.
After compiling 13 wins to kick off the 2010 season, the Lady Tigers were outdueled by the No. 2 Florida Gators in Gainesville, Fla. The team bounced back later in the weekend, crushing South Carolina in straight sets.
The No. 15-ranked Tigers (14-1, 5-1) now face their second-biggest test of the season against No. 22 Tennessee (12-3, 4-2) on Sunday in the PMAC.
Despite the loss last weekend, sophomore outside hitter Madie Jones said the match taught the Tigers they can compete with anyone in the nation.
“The second game, we did beat them, and we just played in our system, and things were going our way,” Jones said. “I think it taught us that when we are playing our game and when we’re in our system we can beat anyone.”
Jones has become an under-the-radar leader for the Lady Tigers this year, driving home 143 kills while making an appearance in all 15 matches and 53 sets.
LSU, which is in sole possession of first place in the Southeastern Conference Western Division, opens the weekend Friday night against Kentucky (8-7, 2-3).
Entering another big SEC weekend, LSU volleyball coach Fran Flory said the team has been working to perfect its offensive attack.
“We’re working on being a little less predictable offensively,” Flory said. “I think we’ve become pretty standardized with our shot selection, and so we’re trying to be a little more balanced.”
Sophomore defensive specialist Sam Delahoussaye said the hangover after the first loss didn’t last long, and the team was not thrown out of rhythm.
“We’ve been keeping the intensity up and doing the same thing we’ve been doing every week,” Delahoussaye said.
The Tigers finally return home after two long weekends on the road. Flory said these past two trips in particular took a toll on the team.
“Those are two long, hard trips,” Flory said. “You’re gone Thursday through Sunday, and you’re on a bus half the time. It’s physically and mentally draining. It’s a difficult trip to make.”
Jones agreed, saying being at home relieves much of the stresses of road life.
“We’re so happy to be home,” Jones said. “It’s just easier academic-wise and schedule-wise. It’s a lot less pressure and a lot easier.”
Friday’s match against Kentucky is “Daddy-Daughter Date Night” at the PMAC, where fans can receive a free youth ticket with the purchase of an adult ticket.
On Sunday, the servicemen and women of Louisiana will be honored as part of the “Salute the Troops” match. Fans wearing any service T-shirt will be given free admission, and the first 500 fans will also receive LSU volleyball dog tags.
Flory also said she was glad to be back home and hopes for a large supporting cast.
“It’s nice to sleep in your own bed and get some time and eat your own food,” Flory said. “You know, 14-1 is not too bad. That’s a pretty nice start for this group, and certainly they deserve the students and everybody to come out and cheer us on.”
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Contact Mark Clements at [email protected]