LSU’s volleyball team dropped two matches against Southeastern Conference opponents over the weekend.
Against Texas A&M (8-6, SEC 2-1) on Friday, the Tigers (5-10, 0-4 SEC) jumped out to an early lead winning the first set by a score of 25-22. The Aggies would storm back and take the next three sets and the match with scores of 14-25, 13-25 and 6-25.
“We need to develop consistency,” said outside hitter Toni Rodriguez. “At times we play streaky, and we need to do a better job finishing matches down the stretch.”
The Tigers committed 28 errors and had a dismal .074 attack percentage by the end of the four sets.
Juniors Cheyenne Wood and Kelly Quinn each finished the match with double-digit kills, while freshman Anna Zwiebel added 23 assists.
“Maintaining positivity is key for us right now,” said senior middle blocker Tiara Gibson. “That can be hard to do when you’re not performing well on the floor, but we have to be optimistic and continue to put in the work.”
LSU followed the loss to Texas A&M with another home-court loss to Missouri on Sunday.
Missouri (13-3, 4-0 SEC) swept LSU in straight-sets with scores of 17-25, 14-25 and 23-25.
Senior middle blocker Tiara Gibson had a career-high 14 kills in the match.
For the second match in a row, Wood and Quinn also finished with double-digit kills.
Junior Khourtni Fears and sophomore Rodriguez were held from the Missouri match and Gina Tillis did not re-enter after an injury in the first set.
“Statistically, those are our most valuable players,” Flory said.
“Gina [Tillis] is one of our go-to hitters on the outside, so it certainly hurt not having her,” Rodriguez said.
LSU’s underclassman were called upon to step up in place of the team’s veterans.
Freshmen Jariel Tureaud, Milan Stokes and Zwiebel all had significant playing time. The trio combined for four blocks, 26 assists and 12 points against a talented Missouri team led by senior outside hitter Carly Kan.
“I think this team has a really good chance to win the conference,” Flory said. “Carly Kan is a great offensive player who hits shots that no one else can hit.”
“With all of that being said, I thought tonight was good step for our younger players to mature,” Flory added. “The freshmen stood toe-to-toe with Missouri, so maybe we found something moving forward.”