The volleyball team dropped a Southeastern Conference match lastnight at home against the University of Arkansas. The Razorbacksswept LSU in three games.
The beginning of the match looked promising for the Tigers. Notonly was sophomore setter Daniela Romero permitted to play after aspinal scare kept her on the sidelines last game, but the team alsojumped out to on early lead in the first game.
Arkansas responded, tying the game at 14 all. LSU called a timeout to regain composure but the Razorbacks were too much and tookthe first game 30-23. The Tigers never got back into the match asArkansas took the next two games with scores of 30-19 in eachgame.
The loss puts the Tigers at 11-9 on the season and dropped to4-6 in the SEC. Arkansas improved its SEC record to 7-3.
“This was Arkansas’ best match of the year,”said coach Fran Flory. “It’s sad it is against us, butwe know what they are capable of.”
Romero did not enter the match until the third game. Seniorsetter Beth Cowley continued the setter position, but the Tigersdid not respond the same way as they had in the previous game.
“I think Beth did a nice job of trying to manage thesituation, but no one could have made a difference,” Florysaid. “We put ourselves behind the eight ball andcouldn’t get past it.”
Another key player in last night’s match was junioroutside hitter Jelena Melatovich, who Flory said stood out as oneof the few good things to happen on the court.
“I thought Jelana did a nice job — she had to carrya big load,” Flory said. “She played well enough for usto win, but no one else around her did.”
Team members said they realize their faults and hope to correctthem in practice before its matches this weekend against Auburn andAlabama.
“There was a lot of intensity and momentum notthere,” Romero said. “Everyone was chilled and laidback. We just have to play with a little more intensity outthere.”
After this last weekend’s win against SEC rival Kentucky,the Tigers went into the match excited. But, the loss brought theteam back to focusing on the problems they need to correct.
“[After the win over Kentucky] I think we thought this onewas in the bag,” said sophomore outside hitter Kassi Mikulik.”Our confidence level was not there. There was not enoughcommunication on the court.”
Last night’s match was the first time LSU faced theRazorbacks this year. They will look for redemption in a few weekswhen they travel to the University of Arkansas.
“We’ll get them again in a few weeks,” Florysaid. “We’ll be better the next time.”
Before the next meeting with Arkansas, the team will focus onthe upcoming matches against Auburn and Alabama, which it will hostthis weekend. LSU will face Auburn on Friday at 7 p.m. and Alabamaon Sunday at 2 p.m. Both matches will be held in the Pete MaravichAssembly Center.