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.
Third in a four-part series previewing the upcoming season breaks down what LSU fans can expect from the Tiger setters this fall.
LSU’s tandem of Sam Dabbs and Brittney Johnson returns for 2009 after passing out a combined 11.18 assists per game last season. Both players contribute valuable understanding of the game and possess familiarity with the LSU hitters after working extremely hard during the offseason.
Dabbs, the 2008 Louisiana Newcomer of the Year, contributed six double-doubles which included LSU’s first triple-double since the 2003 season. She registered 40 or more assists on 10 occasions and ranked inside the SEC’s Top 5 in assists per set.
Johnson split time at setter and offered versatility to the Tiger lineup taking swings from the right side. The Baton Rouge native was the only player to post over a kill, an assist and a dig per set last season. She also showcased her athleticism as a consistent blocker.
“Sam and Brittney are both very solid setters that can take us to the championship level,” Flory said. “We feel that Sam has acquired a much better feel for our hitters’ strengths after having a season under her belt. Brittney is a very intelligent offensive player who responded very favorably and gained valuable experience as we adjusted the tempo of our offense during the spring.”
LSU plays host to the annual Purple & Gold Scrimmage Saturday at the Maravich Center. Admission is free and the Tigers will host a Kid’s Clinic at 5 p.m. prior to the scrimmage.
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.