BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – LSU volleyball’s Meghan Mannari made an instant impact at libero and took home SEC Defensive Player of the Week Monday as announced by the league office. For Mannari, it’s her first career weekly award from the SEC.
“Meghan and our entire back row was magnificent last weekend,” head coach Fran Flory said. “They put in a lot of extra work during the offseason as a unit and it showed with their rock solid performances on the court. We know that we will have to heavily rely on our ball control group if we want to reach our goals for the season.”
Mannari anchored the back row and posted a SEC-leading 5.09 digs per set to claim Tiger Classic Defensive MVP and All-Tournament Team accolades. LSU’s defense also held its opponents to a paltry .068 hitting percentage.
Mannari notched 10 or more digs in all three of her appearances highlighted by a career-high 36 scoops versus 2010 NCAA Tournament participant Miami. The 36 digs also was the second-highest output in program history for a single match.
Mannari provided a strong serving effort and connected for 11 aces at a SEC-best 1.00 per set mark. Her seven aces against Jacksonville State was a career-high sparked by a run of four straight to complete the sweep during the third set.
LSU opens up an eight-match road swing starting next weekend at the New Mexico State Tournament where the Tigers will face Arkansas-Little Rock, Grambling and host New Mexico State.
Live stats will be offered through the Geaux Zone on LSUsports.net, while in-match updates also are available via the program’s social media outlets at http://twitter.com/lsuvolleyball or LSU Volleyball on Facebook.
Fans are encouraged to take advantage of the Geaux Free program and receive free admission for every home match this season compliments of The Advocate.