The LSU volleyball team survived a thriller against New Mexico State on Saturday to remain undefeated and sweep the Tiger Classic.
The No. 21 Tigers took care of North Carolina in straight sets (25-22, 25-21, 25-15) to begin the Tiger Classic on Friday in the team’s home opener. Before the game, LSU dropped a banner honoring the Lady Tigers’ 2009 Southeastern Conference Championship season.
After holding off a late push from Rice, LSU held on to beat the Owls in four sets (25-12, 25-21, 13-25, 25-23). Junior middle blocker Michele Williams powered home a career-high 20 kills for a .533 hitting percentage to boost the Tigers past the Owls.
The biggest test came in the third match of the weekend against New Mexico State.
After LSU squandered a two-set lead, the two teams battled it out in the fifth frame. The Tigers followed senior outside hitter Angela Bensend’s career-best 22 kills and 17 digs to victory (25-19, 25-23, 22-25, 15-25, 17-15).
LSU coach Fran Flory said the leaders of the team stepped up and made plays when they were needed.
“There’s no doubt that Angela [Bensend] and Michele [Williams] are going to be the people to get the ball,” Flory said. “I think the nice part about it was when it did count, they came through and made some great plays in every aspect of the game.”
The Tigers improved to 9-0 for the first time since 1991 — a season that ended in a Final Four finish.
Junior libero Lauren Waclawczyk said the team hopes to continue its winning ways into SEC play next weekend.
“We have a theme going: DTZ — defending the zero,” Waclawczyk said. “We’re very excited to be at this point. We had a rough time, but we got it done, and a win is a win. We knew we could do it.”
The Tigers’ defensive players, led by Waclawczyk, chalked up 201 digs this weekend to boost the team to victory.
Flory credited the undefeated start to the back line, saying the defensive players provide the anchor for the team.
“I think the No. 1 thing that has led to [the undefeated start] is the return of our defensive people,” she said. “Those players have made the difference. All the hitters get all the [publicity], but those guys are the ones that are creating behind the scenes and the ones that are most  important.”
Flory called this weekend “gut-check” time for the girls and said the team must adjust its personality if it hopes to continue its hot streak.
“We played not to lose rather than to win, and when you play safe, you lose,” Flory said. “We are an attack-minded, aggressive offense, and when you don’t swing with that speed and that tenacity, teams are  going to get great touches and get great plays.”
 
 
 
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Contact Mark Clements at [email protected]