The LSU volleyball team (6-0) will hit the road for the second week in a row as they look to maintain their undefeated start this weekend with a double header against Miami (4-1) in the Knight Sports Complex.
After a strong showing in Houston this past weekend and an international trip through Europe this offseason, the volleyball team is no stranger to the rigors that come with life on the road.
The Tigers flexed their road muscles last weekend by only losing one set through three matches at the Rice Invitational.
“I think the most important thing with this team is we’re comfortable with being uncomfortable,” sophomore libero Haley Smith said. “Being on the road and in different environments may be uncomfortable, but we find a sense of togetherness.”
Junior middle blocker Khourtni Fears said road life has offered the Tigers a unique opportunity to get to know each other and create more of a sense of family throughout the squad.
They may argue about trivial things like who used her toothbrush but it’s all part of being sisters on the road, Fears said.
“What’s good about this team is we’re family first,” she said. “Our chemistry has grown a lot especially from last year. We’re really a team this year.”
That chemistry has truly manifested itself on the court so far this season,as the team is amidst its best start since 2010.
“We have a mindset of, ‘let’s move on to the next one,’” Fears said. “That’s going to be our mindset for the rest of the season.”
The team will have its hands full with a physical Hurricane team that is also coming off an undefeated road trip as they notched victories over Long Beach State and San Francisco.
“They matchup very well with us,” said coach Fran Flory. “We’re going to have to play very well on our side.”
Flory said that despite the team’s early success, the competition within the team has kept everyone focused and playing as hard as possible.
The Tigers will have their first matchup with the Hurricanes on Friday night at 7 p.m. followed by a second matchup on Saturday at 5:30 p.m.