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.
Second in a four-part series previewing the upcoming season breaks down what LSU fans can expect from the Tiger outside hitters this fall.
LSU has no shortage of options as Marina Skender, Angela Bensend and Madie Jones can succeed at either the outside or right side hitting positions. The trio is joined by Brittney Johnson, Ally Judkins, Tania Schatow and Michele Williams, who are additional candidates that could see time on the outside when not in their traditional positions.
A dangerous server, powerful hitter and consistent passer, Skender’s versatility combined with her experience, makes her one of the most complete players in the SEC. She enters 2009 after racking up 1,097 kills, 954 digs, 247 blocks and 165 aces over her first three seasons before sitting out 2008 with a medical redshirt.
Bensend had a strong finish to the 2008 season, connecting on 108 of her 151 kills against SEC opponents. Her steady passing also will be important as she looks to return to her form that brought her 2007 All-SEC Freshmen Team accolades.
“The 2009 team is filled with tremendous flexibility and firepower,” head coach Fran Flory said. “It’s very rare to finish the spring not knowing where the pieces are going to fit together in the fall. Marina and Angela give a solid foundation to our steady arsenal.”
Madie Jones is physical opposing player who played both outside and right side hitter in high school. She was chosen as one of PrepVolleyball.com’s Class of 2009 Top 50 recruits and tallied a second-place finish at the 2008 USA Volleyball Junior Championships with her club team taking home All-America honors.
The Fall Sports Pass which costs $50 for adults, $25 for youth also is now on-sale at www.LSUSports.net, the official Web site of LSU Athletics. Tickets also can be purchased at the ticket office or by calling (225) 578-2184 or (800) 960-8587. LSU students, faculty and staff are admitted free with a LSU ID.
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.