BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – LSU setter Malorie Pardo picked up SEC Freshman of the Week accolades Monday as announced by the league office. For Pardo, it’s her first weekly award from the SEC.
“Malorie has done a tremendous job and carried a huge load for us at the setter position,” head coach Fran Flory said. “Our expectations are extremely high for her, and there’s a lot of pressure to perform in that spot on the court especially as a freshman. The fact that we’ve started 3-0 in SEC play is a direct reflection of Malorie’s performance. She’s a great player who continues to work hard and get better with each day that passes.”
Pardo, the SEC’s leader in assists per set, fueled the LSU offense to 51 kills during its Sunday sweep of Mississippi State. Her 44 assists at a 14.67 per set ratio were three helpers better than her season average. It also marked the eight straight outing that Pardo has eclipsed the 40-assist mark.
LSU (10-3, 3-0 SEC) continues its three-match homestand Friday versus No. 23 Tennessee , who vaulted into the latest edition of the AVCA Top 25 poll after a 3-2 victory Sunday over then No. 6 Florida. First serve is slated for 7 p.m. from the Maravich Center.
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.
Friday’s contest will serve as the program’s annual “Gold Match” and fans will have the opportunity to win two football tickets to Saturday’s game against Kentucky. It also is “Student Point Night” and the first 500 students will receive LSU volleyball “Gold Digger” t-shirts.
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 can participate in the 2011 SEC Together We CAN Food Drive by bringing canned goods to the Maravich Center. The campaign concludes with both home matches this weekend. The canned goods collected by LSU’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee will benefit the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank.
For every home match, LSU volleyball also 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.