After falling to Arkansas in five sets Wednesday night to open Southeastern Conference play, the LSU volleyball team bounced back to earn its first SEC win of the season against the University of South Carolina on Sunday in the PMAC.
“Today’s win is definitely a big relief for our team,” said senior defensive specialist Haley Smith, who compiled 16 out of LSU’s 50 digs in the match, in a news release. “We played really hard tonight. That’s one of our biggest attributes on this team. We might not be the most talented in the SEC, but we do work hard and outwork teams.”
The Tigers (5-8, 1-1 SEC) defeated the Gamecocks (7-8, 0-2 SEC) in straight sets, 25-19, 25-18, 25-19, without senior outside hitter Katie Lindelow in the lineup. Lindelow sat out during Sunday’s match to rest — LSU coach Fran Flory said her senior captain is not injured.
“We are excited we got the win. We didn’t play exceptionally well. We weren’t very efficient, but a win without Katie Lindelow on the court is a quality win,” Flory said in a news release. “We just wanted to preserve her for a few more jumps down the line.”
LSU dominated the match, losing its lead only seven times throughout the match. South Carolina committed 22 attacking errors — hitting a woeful .073 throughout the match — compared to the Tigers’ 14 errors and hitting percentage of .226.
It’s been a lethargic offensive start to the season for LSU, but Flory started to see improvement on Wednesday in the Tigers’ five-set, exhausting loss to Arkansas, 25-23, 26-28, 26-24, 20-25, 15-9.
“Even though we lost Wednesday, I think we gained a little confidence through that match and I think we will be even better getting through,” Flory said.
Flory said the Tigers have to find their rhythm on offense to be successful this season, and on Sunday the Tigers found it.
“We have to maintain our offensive rhythm and improve,” Flory said in a news release. “We have to take care of the ball. We have to control the ball a little better than what we did today. I thought we were very resilient and played hard tonight. I am proud of that.”
LSU combined to smash an overall 40 kills on Sunday. Flory commended Tillis’ effort Sunday, when she led the Tigers with 14 kills.
“(Gina) Tillis did a good job coming off the bench into the lineup did a great job tonight,” Flory said in a news release.
Tillis led the Tigers on offense. She penciled in six of her 14 smashes in the first set, leading LSU to its highest hitting percentage for a set in the match at .250. LSU collectively placed 13 of its 50 kills in the first set with only four errors.
Tillis was accompanied by senior outside hitter Cati Leak, who finished with nine kills and nine digs, and freshman outside hitter Toni Rodriguez, who counted eight kills with two digs. Sophomore setter Cheyenne Wood finished with 19 assists, eight digs and two kills.
LSU will be on the road for its next two matches, beginning Friday at 6 p.m. in Athens, Georgia, against the University of Georgia. Then, the Tigers will head to Auburn to take on the other Tigers on Sunday.
You can reach Christian Boutwell on Twitter @CBoutwell_TDR.