Despite a rough start to LSU’s season, the Tigers ready to take on the Michigan Challenge.
The Tigers will be traveling up north this weekend to face No. 20 Michigan, Colorado State, and Oakland in Michigan.
LSU will first face Colorado State, Friday at 10:00 a.m., then Michigan Friday at 6:00 p.m., ending the weekend facing Oakland in Rochester, Saturday at 1:30 p.m.
The biggest challenge LSU will face is overcoming the Wolverines, who have established themselves as one of the most talented team in the nation. Friday marks the sixth meeting between the Tigers and the Wolverines. The Wolverines lead the series 3-2.
This is the first time since 1984 that Michigan has been undefeated to start their season. Outside hitter Carly Skjodt has also been producing impressive stats these past weekends. She has totaled 72 kills this season and was named MVP of the Michigan Invitational.
The Tigers are coming in with a less favorable season record of 2-4. The past weekend LSU’s home opener ended with a win against Texas A&M CC, but fell to Duke and USF.
A bright spot in LSU’s struggles is sophomore Taylor Bannister, who lead the team at 94 kills this season with an average 4.67 kills per set. These stats were good for the highest scorer of the Tiger Classic.
Considering this weekend she also made her career high of four aces against UFC, it’s safe to say Bannister will be an asset to the team this weekend facing Michigan.
LSU has been out-hitting, as well as out-blocking its opponents. This will need to continue in order to come out of this weekend successful. However, the key for winning this Challenge will be to take it one step at a time. The mindset of the team will contribute to performance this weekend and their home state will be cheering them on.