Tillis’ hot streak

LSU volleyball’s Gina Tillis is riding an impressive offensive hot streak from the Tigers’ last three matches.
In games against Florida, South Carolina and Missouri, the junior outside hitter had a respectable total of 34 kills, including a conference-best, 19-kill performance against the Gamecocks. Tillis also added 20 digs.
“Gina had an elite offensive performance against South Carolina,” said LSU coach Fran Flory. “We need leadership like that if we want to become a consistent team.”
Although Flory is impressed with Tillis’ recent outings, she is hoping that she sees Tillis’ lead-by-example type of leadership transfer to her fellow upperclassmen soon.
“I don’t think I would consider myself a vocal leader,” Tillis said. “I try to give my all when I’m on the floor and hopefully motivate my teammates through the way I play.”

Fears returns

Junior middle blocker Khourtni Fears found her way back into the lineup in LSU’s previous contest against Missouri.
Fears has only played in 45 sets this year, and the Missouri game marks the first time she has played in a match since the Ole Miss game on Oct. 5, where she played in two sets.
“We wanted her to spend a little time watching video to help her regain her rhythm,” Flory said. “It’s hard for someone to sit out two years [because of an ACL injury] and come back 100 percent in sync.”
Fears averaged 1.03 blocks per set and 0.85 blocks per set her freshman and sophomore years before being sidelined by her ACL injury for her junior year, forcing her to apply for and receive a medical redshirt.
“She’s had some good practices recently, so hopefully she can get going again,” Flory said.
Fears played in one set against Missouri and finished the night with two solo blocks and two assisted blocks.

Momentum is key

LSU has played a total of 10 home games in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center this season, and the Tigers have lost every one of them.
This marks the second consecutive season the Tigers will have a losing record at home.
In 2015, LSU finished with a 4-7 record in the PMAC.
Now, with only four home games remaining this season, Flory and the team want to generate some momentum before their next home stand.
“Our next two road games against South Carolina and Florida are vital,” Flory said. “If we can establish some rhythm, we’ll feel a lot more comfortable heading into our home games.”
LSU’s next home match will be Friday, Nov. 4, but the Tigers insist their focus is on South Carolina for the time being.
“Gaining some momentum from these road games will go a long way,” Tillis said. “We want to get our first home win, but we have to be ready to compete against the Gamecocks.”