After falling behind two sets to none, the LSU volleyball team stormed back in the final three sets to knock off Mississippi State (10-13, 5-9 Southeastern Conference) on the road Sunday.
The win broke a two-game losing streak for the Tigers (15-8, 8-5 SEC). Both losses came against SEC West division opponents.
LSU coach Fran Flory said the team had to get settled in before they could take control of the game.
“We weren’t allowing plays to occur,” Flory said. “We were trying to rush plays and make plays happen before we had the chance.”
Senior middle blocker Michele Williams said the Tigers focused on perfection too much early in the game.
“[Flory] told us that we were trying to play too perfectly,” Williams said. “It doesn’t have to be perfect, because the game of volleyball isn’t a perfect game.”
In the third set, the Tigers pulled out a close 26-24 victory and went on to dominate the fourth set, 25-15.
“The first two sets, we were chasing,” said junior defensive specialist Sam Delahoussaye. “We were always behind. Once we realized that we could do it and just play our game, it got a lot easier for us.”
Junior outside hitter Madie Jones fueled LSU’s attack with 18 kills, while Williams chipped in with 16.
“I thought [sophomore right side] Nicole Willis had a breakthrough moment today,” Flory said. “Certainly Madie Jones did, and Michele Williams carried a huge load for us.”
The comeback on the road against an SEC rival provided a boost in confidence that Flory said will help the team throughout the season.
“We were in the middle of a confidence crisis,” Flory said. “We learned that when we all execute our role and do what we’re supposed to do, we