Press Release courtesy of LSU Athletics.
The LSU volleyball team (11-4, 2-2 SEC) is back at home for two matches this weekend, playing host to Mississippi State (9-10, 0-4 SEC) Friday at 6 p.m. and Arkansas (11-5, 1-3 SEC) Sunday at 1 p.m.
Friday’s match will be aired on the SEC Network, whileSunday’s match will be available on SEC Network+. Both matches are available through WatchESPN.com and the app. Courtney Lyle and Jenny Hazelwood will be on the call for Friday’s match.
Fran’s Final Thoughts
“Mississippi State and LSU have always been a match that is sometimes a turning point for each program. We’ve both taken turns each way, some positively and some negatively. We understand the opportunity and we value the opportunity to compete against a really solid team. We have to be very prepared. I have a lot of respect for their program and I think we will be ready to play and take care of our side of the net.”
Match Promotions
Choose Your Giveaway Night: Fans will be able to choose from a variety of giveaway items at the gates of the Maravich Center. One item per person, please.
Student Point Night!: Students will have the change to receive extra Priority Points on the Geaux Rewards App!
Last Time Out
Last Sunday, the Tigers battled tough with No. 1 Florida, but fell in straight sets by scores of 25-17, 26-24 and 25-23. The Tigers held off the Gators for five straight match points in the third set. Taylor Bannister led with 12 kills, while Gina Tillis registered 10 kills and 11 digs for her seventh double-double on the year and 23rd in her career.
A Look at Mississippi State
Mississippi State is currently 9-10 on the year and is 0-4 in conference action. The Bulldogs are coming off two three-set losses last week and are currently on a four-game losing streak. The Bulldogs suffered a 3-0 loss to Ole Miss by scores of 25-12, 25-13 and 26-24. On Sunday, the Bulldogs fell to No. 10 Kentucky by scores of 25-21, 25-20 and 25-16. Jelena Vujcin is leading the Bulldogs on offense with a total of 239 kills on the year and 3.46 kills per set. Morgan Kath is directing the offense and averages 9.50 assists per set. Gabby Zgunda anchors down the back row, averaging 3.23 digs per set.
All-Time vs. Mississippi State
The Tigers own the all-time series 56-9. The Tigers defeated the Bulldogs last season in their lone meeting in straight sets. In the last four matches, the Tigers have gone 2-2 with the Bulldogs. The last time the Tigers lost to Mississippi State was on Nov. 25, 2015, falling in three sets in their second meeting that season.
Team Notes
>> Tillis is getting close to 1,000 career kills. With her 18 kills last weekend, she now sits at 960 with 40 kills left to go to reach the feat. She will become the 22nd Tiger in program history to reach 1,000 kills.
>> Among the league on the year, the Tigers rank sixth in hitting percentage at .243 and is tied for eighth in opponent hitting percentage at .195.
>> Anna Zwiebel ranks eighth in the conference in assists at 9.45 per set, while Raigen Cianciulli is seventh with 3.89 digs per set. Jacqui Armer is fourth in blocks at 1.30 per set, which also ranks 45th in the nation.
Follow LSU Volleyball
For all of the latest news and information on Tiger volleyball, visit www.lsusports.net/volleyball. Fans can also follow the program on its social media outlets atwww.Facebook.com/lsuvolleyball along with @lsuvolleyball and @lsucoachfran on Twitter and @lsuvolleyball on Instagram.
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