The LSU volleyball team is off to its first 9-0 start since 1991 — a year ending in a Final Four appearance.
The main force behind the team’s ferocious start this year is senior outside hitter Angela Bensend.
Bensend has racked up 127 kills, 86 digs and 10 blocks only nine games into the season.
“I’ve been working on my ball control and hitting consistency,” Bensend said. “When I first came I had to learn how to hit outside. Also my serve, receive and defense is something I’ve really been working on.”
Bensend’s work has not gone unnoticed by LSU coach Fran Flory.
“She’s learned how to truly be an outside hitter,” Flory said. “Once she found her home she really discovered and has thrived in being productive, being balanced and being reliable.”
Last season, Bensend started 29 matches, including the squad’s final 22 matches. Junior libero Lauren Waclawczyk said Bensend has become the backbone of the team.
“She’s our go-to when we need someone to put the ball away,” Waclawczyk said. “We know we can always count on her.”
At her high school in Plano, Texas, Bensend earned four letters in volleyball along with a plethora of awards and honors from the state. She also got the opportunity to be coached by her “proud” aunt, Kari Bensend, for a year.
Kari played volleyball at the University of Oklahoma from 1977 to 1980 before beginning her coaching career. She said Angela’s development and skills came rapidly and out of nowhere.
“I always called her my little freak because we always wondered where she came from,” Kari Bensend said with a laugh. “She grew so fast, but she always had the potential and that physical body. You knew she was going to sprout into a very dynamic player once she understood the game. We’re so proud of her.”
Unanimously voted captain by the rest of the team, Flory said the No. 1 thing Angela Bensend brings to the team is enthusiasm.
“From the first day she walked into this gym she brought the right level of work ethic,” Flory said. “She brought the right team attitude and the right approach. She’s a great team person that people trust and people believe in. She is the role model for our program.”
The one word Angela’s peers consistently use to describe her is “leader.”
“As I’ve seen her mature and mature and mature over the last several years, she has become an excellent team leader,” Kari said. “That’s what coaches are looking for — the kid who is unselfish, that gives everything they can and that leads in every aspect.”
Angela Bensend said she strives to improve her leadership skills entering this season as one of only three seniors on the team.
“I try to be a leader on and off the court, but especially on the court,” Angela said. “I try to be as vocal as possible to keep our team relaxed and have fun.”
Waclawczyk described Angela as one of the friendliest people she’s ever met and one of her closest friends off the court.
What’s the one word Waclawczyk would use to describe Angela?
“Loyal,” Waclawczyk said without hesitation. “She is the type of person that will do absolutely anything you need. It’s good to know you can count on someone.”
But Waclawczyk, Angela Bensend’s roommate, said Angela keeps most of the hard work on the court.
“If I dissed her cooking skills she’ll get mad. … She can do some OK cooking,” Waclawczyk chuckled. “She’s a very clean person, but she does sleep a lot. When she’s at home, she’s laying in bed sleeping.”
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Contact Mark Clements at [email protected]