Friday: Outside Hitters
Saturday: Middle Blockers
Monday: Defensive Specialists
Tuesday: Setters
LSU volleyball has garnered an impressive 140-44 mark and is one of 18 programs in the nation to secure six consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances en route to the nation’s 11th-best winning percentage going back to the 2005 season.
A core group of returnees fueled by 2011 All-SEC Preseason performers Michele Williams and Desiree Elliott coupled with a top 20 recruiting class from PrepVolleyball.com has positioned the Tigers to continue their championship tradition by making a run at its unprecedented seventh straight SEC Western Division title and NCAA Tournament berth.
The final part of a four-part series previewing the upcoming season takes a glance at what LSU fans can expect from the Tiger setters this fall.
BATON ROUGE – For the second straight season, LSU will have to reload to fill a hole left in one of the most critical positions on the court. Waiting in the wings are sophomore Shelby Pursley and freshman Malorie Pardo to fill the void left by Brittney Johnson, an AVCA All-South Region Honorable Mention performer.
Pursley distributed 8.00 assists per set during her three matches as LSU’s backup setter in 2010. She received two All-Central Florida First-Team picks and was named 2009 Seminole County Player of the Year while at Winter Springs High School.
Pardo was showered with a variety of awards during her prep career highlighted by 2009 & 2010 TGCA All-State and 2009 District MVP out of Pearland High School in Texas. She also was selected to play at the 2008 USA Girls Youth Team High Performance Championships
“Great programs have two good setters, and we’re excited about what this young pair can bring to the table” Flory said. “Both Shelby and Malorie possess a tremendous work ethic and are outstanding students of the game. A major key to our season will be the ability of this pair to put our hitters into good situations and become playmakers in our high octane offense.”
LSU embarks on its 2011 campaign by playing host to Alcorn State, Louisiana-Lafayette, Jacksonville State and 2010 NCAA Tournament participant Miami, Fla. at the Maravich Center for the Tiger Classic on Aug. 26-27.
Fans are encouraged to take advantage of the Geaux Free program for all home matches this season compliments of The Advocate. The Tigers have compiled a 62-10 home mark since 2005.
For all of the latest information on LSU volleyball, log on to http://www.lsusports.net/volleyball or follow the program’s social media outlets at http://twitter.com/lsuvolleyball or LSU Volleyball on Facebook.