BATON ROUGE — The LSU volleyball team looks to extend its winning streak to six when it faces non-conference foe Rice at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Friday at 7 p.m.
The Tigers (9-5) and Owls (7-6) were originally scheduled to meet on Sept. 14 as part of the Tiger Classic. However, the match was cancelled following the actions of Sept. 11 and then re-added a few weeks later.
Recently, LSU has been on a roll having won seven of their last eight, including five straight. The run has led LSU to a 5-1 Southeastern Conference mark, its best since 1992. Rice has lost three of its last four, but won last time out against Fresno State, 3-1.
“Rice is a solid team that has played a lot of tough competition this year,” said LSU coach Fran Flory. “They should present a tough non-conference challenge for us. I think this match will prepare us well for Sunday?s match against South Carolina.”
LSU is led into action by a group of players that has become an offensive force over the past month. Setter Katie Kubena sets the tone offensively, averaging 11.52 assists/game, leading the Tigers to a .238 hitting percentage.
Kubena has mainly distributed the ball to the Tigers three outside hitters, who have proven to be extremely efficient lately. Senior Meghan Bedford has been the most efficient of the group, hitting .237 on the year while averaging 3.15 kills/game.
Junior Jennifer Hampton leads LSU with 3.32 kills/game en route to a .178 hitting percentage. Freshman Kyra Lancon has come on lately for a 3.14 kills/game and a .220 clip.
“I think, we have done a good job of offensively of late which has been the main reason for our success,” said Flory. “Katie has done a great job of putting our hitters in a position where they can be effective and efficient for us.”
In the middle, Lauren Cuyler and Meagan Davis have continued to be solid as each is hitting over .360 while combining for over four kills/game and two blocks/game.
Rice, which hits.198 as a team, is paced by Leigh Leman?s 3.45 kills/game.
Briana Cook leads the defensive corps which is among the nation?s best at blocking, averaging 3.18 per game.. Cook?s 1.40 blocks/game is a team best.