The LSU (11-14, 6-6 Southeastern Conference) volleyball team played its last two home games of the season this past weekend, dropping a five-game match to Mississippi State before rebounding and defeating Ole Miss (5-22, 3-9 SEC) three games to one Sunday.
The last home weekend of the season usually is reserved for a send off for the senior players. But with nary a senior of the LSU roster, that celebration will have to wait until next year.
LSU coach Fran Flory said the lack of a senior night celebration may have hurt the Tigers emotionally, because the games were not filled with sentimental meaning and emotions revolving around the seniors’ final games at the PMAC.
“No senior night took away from us emotionally,” Flory said. “But this weekend was important, not only because of wins and losses, but because we want to get in the SEC Tournament.”
Friday night, LSU lost to a hapless Mississippi State team that was 1-19 on the season and 0-19 in league play before its win Friday.
“I am disappointed in the way we played tonight,” Flory said after the game.
LSU dropped the first two games and came back to win the next two before falling in the final game, 15-10.
“I was proud of the way we fought back after being down two games, but we put ourselves in such a hole that we just could not get out,” Flory said. “Give credit to Mississippi State for playing such a good match, but we did not execute when we needed to and did not take advantage of the opportunities that we were given.”
Junior Regan Hood recorded a triple double in the game, putting down 24 kills, recording 18 digs and a career-high 10 blocks.
Against Ole Miss Sunday, the Tigers were able to shake off a sloppy start and rebound to win three consecutive games to take the match and remain at .500 in conference.
Ole Miss jumped out early, beating LSU 30-22 in game one.
“We had to be patient early on and get our rhythm back,” Flory said. “We just haven’t to been able to find our confidence and consistency, and I don’t know why.”
After the first game, LSU took down Ole Miss 30-26, 30-22 and 30-28 to clinch the match.
“It’s a tribute to our team and I’m proud of our team for coming back and fighting through our struggles,” Flory said.
Sophomore Megan Heinz put forth a strong effort, recording 15 kills at a .429 success percentage.
LSU is now on the road for the remainder of the year and faces Georgia on Nov. 7 in Athens.