STARKVILLE, Miss. – The LSU volleyball team overcame a game one loss to Mississippi State to take the match 12-15, 15-11, 15-9, 15-7 in front of the largest crowd to witness a Bulldog match this season.
The win improves LSU to 13-10 overall and 4-4 in the Southeastern Conference play. Mississippi State falls to 9-11 with an 0-8 SEC mark.
“This was a really big win for us. It was vital for us to win this match,” said LSU coach Fran Flory. “Coming into this type of atmosphere and playing at that level was very important for us. We had to play in front of a hostile crowd and we came out on top. That should give us confidence.”
LSU was led by Jennifer Hampton for the fourth straight match as she recorded 20 kills on the evening as part of a .277 attack percentage.
“Jennifer is finally coming into an offensive flow. If we can keep her and Meg Norwood at the level they are capable of playing, we will be a good team by the end of the year.”
Kelly Thompson sparked the defensive attack for LSU with 11 blocks and 13 digs, her fifth double-double of the season.
“Kelly did a great job defensively. We were not passing well enough to get her involved in the offense. But she added where she needed to add and that is what we need.,” said Flory.
Mississippi State led throughout in a close game one. It was a four-point run following a 10-10 tie that gave the Bulldogs the lead for good. They held of LSU late to take the one game lead. Mississippi State outhit the Tigers .224 to .196.
Brianne Smedley ignited the Bulldog attack with six kills en route to a .667 attack percentage in the game. She led all players in both categories. The Tigers were led by Meagan Davis who had five kills and a .333 attack percentage.
LSU rallied late in game two to tie the match going into the third game. The Tigers used a six-point run while trailing 11-9 to win the game.
In game three, the Tigers scored 13 of the last 17 points to take a one game lead in the match. LSU used seven blocks and 19 digs to stymie the Bulldog offense in taking the game.
Thompson paced LSU with four kills and six blocks, three of which were solo. Davis and Jennifer Hampton added four kills each.
Jumping out to a quick 5-0 lead, LSU cruised to a game four victory to clinch the match. The Tigers used a .467 attack percentage to put away the Bulldogs. Hampton recorded six of her 20 kills in the game in leading LSU.
LSU will face Ole Miss on Sunday in Oxford, Miss. The Tigers next home match is scheduled for Thursday against SEC West leading Arkansas.