The LSU volleyball team had a bittersweet weekend, splitting its matches with Auburn and Kentucky while multiple players reached individual milestones.
LSU’s (9-12) loss to Kentucky (13-8) on Sunday was the first straight-set defeat the Tigers have suffered since falling to Alabama 3-0 to open Southeastern Conference play Sept. 14.
“We ran into a Kentucky team that’s been playing really well,” said LSU coach Fran Flory. “… Unfortunately, we played into their hands and made it easier for them.”
Despite the loss, the Tigers still had reason to celebrate.
Senior defensive specialist Sam Delahoussaye became the 13th player in program history to corral 1,000 career digs and senior outside hitter Madie Jones became the 19th in program history to reach 1,000 career kills.
“It’s a great accomplishment; I’m proud,” Delahoussaye said. “I just wish that it could have been on a better game.”
The Tigers went into Kentucky with some momentum after grinding out a tough four-set victory against Auburn (13-7) on Friday.
Perhaps the defining point in the match was a marathon second set that LSU took 32-30.
“It’s a big deal to win a set like that and ultimately take the deciding set of the match on the road with our backs against the wall,” Flory said.
LSU junior setter Jaclynn Gerig replaced sophomore setter Malorie Pardo after she suffered an ankle injury in the second set. Gerig provided a breakout performance, distributing 10 assists and leading LSU to a match-best .237 hitting clip.
“That was a really fun match,” Delahoussaye said. “That’s when [Gerig] really stepped up, and she made a lot of key plays, and we were all really excited. The bench was going crazy.”
Despite the injury, Pardo distributed 19 assists, making her the eighth player in program history to dish out 2,000 career assists.
