LSU volleyball has dominated the SEC Western Division by racking up four consecutive division championships. The Tigers are 28-2 against its fellow division foes since 2006, including 20 straight wins.
LSU also has accumulated four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and posted an impressive 90-31 record during its four-year run. The Tigers .743 winning percentage ranks 14th nationally. With a core of seasoned veterans and a crop of talented newcomers, LSU is more than capable of building on its championship tradition during the 2009 season.
First in a four-part series previewing the upcoming season breaks down what LSU fans can expect from the Tigers’ back row this fall.
With the departure of the reigning two-time SEC Defensive Player of the Year and AVCA All-American defensive specialist Elena Martinez, LSU will undeniably have a hole to fill in one of the most crucial position on the court.
Lauren Waclawczyk along with freshmen Sam Delahoussaye and Meghan Mannari are set to anchor the back row. Waclawczyk saw action in 27 matches accounting for 1.46 digs per set last season, while Delahoussaye and Mannari arrive on the Bayou after extremely decorated prep careers.
“The first touch is the most important and there will be opportunities for all three of them to play,” head coach Fran Flory said. “Lauren did an excellent job alongside Elena last year and we’re excited about the progress she made working extremely hard to improve her defensive range. Meghan does a great job of making the play that seems impossible, while Sam has a steady platform and is the best true passer of the trio.”
LSU has 12 matches scheduled against 2008 NCAA Tournament teams as the Tigers open the season against national runner-up Stanford followed by matches against Denver and host Notre Dame from Aug. 28-30 at the Shamrock Invitational.
Fans are invited to meet the team Saturday as the Tigers hold “Mall Ball” from 1-3 p.m. CT at Centre Court on the first floor of the Mall of Louisiana.
The Fall Sports Pass which costs $50 for adults, $25 for youth also will be on-sale at the mall. The pass features 21 action packed events and results in a 66 percent savings off regular season ticket prices between the volleyball and soccer programs. Fans who purchase a Fall Sports Pass receive an LSU T-Shirt, Visor and Frisbee.