BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – LSU junior libero Meghan Mannari garnered SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors Monday as announced by the league office. For Mannari, it’s her second weekly award from the SEC.
“Meghan and our entire back row continue to be difference makers for us in matches,” head coach Fran Flory said. “She stepped up and made some very spectacular plays for us during critical points of both of our road wins last weekend. Our back row has been very reliable and is a big reason why we are where we are at this point in the season.”
Mannari corralled a SEC-leading 43 digs over the weekend and surged up to the No. 3 position in the SEC. She notched four or more scoops during six of LSU’s nine sets en route to a 4.78 per set ratio. The Frisco, Texas, native also was an astounding 45-for-45 in reception attempts to run her streak to seven straight matches without an error.
Mannari was all over the court and claimed 22 digs, her second-highest output of her career, versus Alabama. She also secured 21 digs, the third-best performance of her career, during the Tigers 3-2 triumph at Ole Miss.
LSU (9-3, 2-0 SEC) returns to the hardwood Sunday and squares off with Mississippi State (6-5, 1-1 SEC) for its first home match since opening weekend. First serve is slated for 1:30 p.m. inside the Maravich Center.
Live video and live stats are offered through the Geaux Zone on LSUsports.net. 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. The first 500 fans for Sunday’s match will receive a LSU “Point Tigers” t-shirt.
Fans also have an opportunity to take part in the 2011 SEC Together We CAN Food Drive as they are asked to bring canned goods to the Maravich Center. The campaign will continue with each of LSU’s home events through Sunday, Oct. 2. The canned goods collected by the LSU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee will benefit the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank.
For every home match, LSU volleyball will be collecting books as part of its season-long book drive to benefit Everybody Reads Program through Volunteer in Public Schools. Fans are asked to bring new or used elementary level books to help local students. For more information, visit www.lsusports.net/geauxbooks.