The LSU volleyball team started its first two games ofSoutheastern Conference play at home this weekend. The weekendstarted off with a successful Friday night for the Tigers, sweepingGeorgia in three games. But Sunday was a different story as LSUfell to No. 4 Florida in three matches.
Friday night’s victory was a milestone in coach FranFlory’s career at LSU. The win gave Flory her 100th win asthe Tigers’ head coach. The victory moved LSU to 9-1 on theseason and 1-0 in the SEC. It also gave Georgia its first sweep ofthe season with scores of 30-28, 30-21 and 30-27.
“I like the way our team played together,” Florysaid in a press release. “They fed off each other’senergy and overall it was a great performance.”
LSU went into Sunday with a six-match winning streak only tohave it snapped by Florida. The Gators came in strong, sweeping theTigers in three matches with scores of 30-20, 30-22 and 30-25. Theloss puts LSU at an overall record of 9-2 and 1-1 in SEC.
“They gave us a lot of chances and we didnt take advantageof the opportunities,” Flory said. “Losing to Floridadoesn’t hurt us — it hurts our pride and ourconfidence. We’re disappointed but we’ll use it torally back.”
The Tigers stayed with Florida during all three matches, addingto the confidence the team said they already possess.
“We were positive from the first game this season,”junior middle blocker Ivana Kuzmic said. “We show it but inour hearts it’s different.”
LSU travels to Rice on Tuesday and team members said they hopeto correct the errors made this weekend for the upcoming weekend.”We’re going to have to work a little bitharder,” sophomore outside hitter Kassi Mikulik said.”We need to work on defense and get the block up more. Wewere too timid this weekend — we need to work on thattoo.”
After Rice, the Tigers will prepare for more SEC play againstMississippi State and Ole Miss this weekend. LSU will host theround-robin again, opening play with the Bulldogs Friday night at 7p.m. before finishing up with the Rebels on Sunday at 1:30 p.m.