BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – One day before LSU volleyball is scheduled to begin preseason practice, middle blocker Desiree Elliott was one of nine players to pick up 2012 Preseason All-SEC accolades Tuesday as announced by the league office. Voted upon by the SEC coaches, the Tigers have been represented on the squad during all six seasons of the squad’s existence dating back to the 2007 season.
Elliott has already blasted 630 kills during her first two seasons and her 3.40 kills per set average in 2011 ranked eighth among the SEC leaders. The 2011 All-SEC Second-Team performer and 2010 SEC Freshman of the Year also racked up a team-leading 102 blocks to anchor LSU’s front row defense.
“We’re very happy for Desiree to be recognized by the SEC coaches as one of the league’s elite players heading into the 2012 season,” head coach Fran Flory said. “She’s the veteran of our middle blocker group, and her quickness brings a unique quality to our front row.”
Earlier this week, LSU was selected to defend its SEC Western Division championship. The Tigers connected seven consecutive SEC Western Division titles highlighted by the overall league championship in 2009. It’s the second longest streak in SEC history, only behind Florida’s 14-year run on top of the SEC’s Eastern Division from 1995-2008.
LSU will hold its annual Purple & Gold Scrimmage on Saturday, August 18 at 4:30 p.m. inside the Maravich Center. Admission to the scrimmage and all 2012 home matches at the Maravich Center are free compliments of the Advocate’s “Geaux Free” program.
Leading into the scrimmage, the Tigers will instruct basic volleyball skills starting at 2 p.m. during a free kid’s clinic. The clinic is open to all children eighth grade and under. To reserve your spot, contact Lauren at promotions@lsu.edu by Wednesday, August 15 and include how many children will be attending the event.
For all of the latest news and information on Tiger volleyball, visit www.lsusports.net/volleyball. Fans can also follow the program on its social media outlets at www.Facebook.com/lsuvolleyball along with @lsuvolleyball and @lsucoachfran on Twitter.
2012 Preseason All-SEC Team
Player, School, Position, Height, Class, Hometown
Whitney Billings, Kentucky, OH, 6-2, Jr., Helena, Ala.
Desiree Elliott, LSU, MB, 6-0, Jr., Cypress, Texas
DeeDee Harrison, Tennessee, MB, 6-3, Sr., Nashville, Tenn.
Lisa Henning, Missouri, OH, 6-1, Jr., Blue Springs, Mo.
Molly Kreklow, Missouri, S, 6-0, Jr., Delano, Minn.
Jasmine Norton, Arkansas, OH, 5-10, Sr., Rowlett, Texas
Stephanie Klefot, Kentucky, DS/L, 5-6, Sr., Louisville, Ky.
Chloe Mann, Florida, MB, 6-2, Jr., Gainesville, Fla.
Kelsey Robinson, Tennessee, 6-2, Jr., Bartlett, Ill.