EDITOR’S NOTE: This is part 7 of a 12-part volleyball series recapping the outstanding 2005 season, previewing the 2006 season, giving fans basic volleyball rules, terminology and scoring basics leading up to the season-opening Tiger Invitational tournament in the Maravich Center on Aug. 25-26, featuring the “Pack Pete’s Seats” match against No. 2 Penn State at 7 p.m. on Aug. 26.
BATON ROUGE — To fill the vital role of libero in 2006, the Tigers will have several solid options that will all battle for the starting position, while all three defensive specialists should see action since the LSU coaching staff believes the play of the serve receivers is essential for the team’s success.
After making the transition from outside hitter to libero last season, Kassi Mikulik (Flatonia, Texas) returns to the defensive role again in 2006. The senior ranked ninth in the SEC in digs per game, averaging a team-best 3.59 digs per game. In addition, her 384 digs was the 10th most single-season digs in school history.
“Kassi was probably last year’s most valuable player in the opinion of the staff,” said Flory. “She was the true stabilizing force on the court consistently. She is the backbone of the defense and our ball control. She became a very solid serve receive person and her defensive range increased significantly. She will once again be a vital part of this team and our success.”
After seeing limited action as a freshman due to an injury suffered during the summer before coming to LSU, Elena Martinez (New Orleans, La.) returns for her sophomore season healthy and in a position to compete for the starting libero role.
“Elena developed very well throughout the spring,” said Flory. “She has finally healed from her injuries and has had an opportunity to play on an international tour and train with the national team this summer. She will come in and certainly challenge for the libero spot this year with Kassi. I think competition will be very heated in this position.”
After seeing action as a defensive specialist and for her serving over the last two seasons, Michelle Hensgens (Morgan City, La.) returns for her junior year with the Tigers after showing progress and development during the spring.
“Michelle had an outstanding spring,” said Flory. “She probably showed the most improvement of any player on the team. Her hand speed and foot speed were tremendously improved and her ball control defense took huge step up.”
The team will open the 2006 season on Aug. 25 against Rice in the Maravich Center in the Tiger Invitational at 7 p.m. The Tigers will then take on Nicholls State on Aug. 26 at 11 a.m. before closing out the two-day tournament against No. 2 Penn State at 7 p.m.
Admission to the tournament is free with an “Advocate” ticket. Those tickets are available through the LSU Promotions Department by calling (225) 578-8960. In addition, fans are encouraged to wear white to the Penn State match, and “Walk on the Wild Side” t-shirts will be given away in an attempt to “Pack Pete’s Seats” and break the LSU volleyball attendance record.