Southeastern Conference play was not kind to the volleyball teamthis weekend as they dropped two games at home.
The Lady Tigers came into the weekend with a two-game losingstreak and looked to snap it against Mississippi State and OleMiss. But, the Bulldogs and Rebels had different plans for LSU,handing the Tigers two more SEC losses giving LSU a 9-5 record onthe season and 1-3 in SEC league play.
“I’m disappointed — we’re just not verytough in crucial situations,” coach Fran Flory said.”We certainly have the right types of players, but wedon’t have the mentality that we need to have.”
Friday night’s game against Mississippi State seemed to begoing LSU’s way coming out on top early in the first twomatches with scores of 30-22 in both. The Bulldogs responded bytaking the next two with scores of 30-25 and 30-24 forcing a fifthmatch which Mississippi State took 10-15.
The Tigers looked to bounce back Sunday afternoon against theOle Miss Rebels. Ole Miss came out early taking the first game30-20. LSU quickly responded in the second match taking the leadearly and notching a 30-13 victory. The team kept their momentumrolling taking the third game 30-13 as well. But, Ole Miss did notgive up taking the next two matches and the game giving LSU theirfourth consecutive loss and third in SEC play.
“We’ve learned a lot from these past fourlosses,” junior middle blocker Ivana Kuzmic said.”We’re going to get ready, practice even harder andprepare for the next game.”
Flory said the loss is disappointing, but she still has hopethat her team can bounce back from the losses.
“I think the SEC is still wide open,” Flory said.”Tennessee and Florida have certainly separated themselves alittle bit, but I think the opportunities in the SEC are stillthere.”
LSU continues more SEC play this Friday when they travel toTuscaloosa, Ala. to take on the University of Alabama.
“We just have to make sure we take care of the rest of theteams,” Flory said. “The next one is the mostimportant.”