Part 1: Setters
Part 2: Middle Blockers
Seven seasons ago, LSU volleyball embarked on a historic journey. Many things have changed through the years; there have been dramatic victories and hard-fought defeats.
Streaks have begun and ended; prolific players have emerged into decorated All-Americans and moved on. New talent has developed and taken the reigns of a proud program.
With 159 victories, seven consecutive SEC Western Division titles highlighted by the league’s overall championship in 2009 and a run of six straight NCAA Tournament appearances from 2005-10, head coach Fran Flory has guided LSU to a very successful stretch.
As in the past, the 2012 season is no different. A new year for a new team, but expectations still remain at the same high level. A core group of returnees fueled by five players in Helen Boyle, Desiree Elliott, Madie Jones, Meghan Mannari and Malorie Pardo coupled with a top 30 recruiting class from PrepVolleyball.com has positioned the Tigers to continue their championship tradition
Third in a four-part series previewing the upcoming season takes a glance at what LSU fans can expect from the Tiger outside hitters this fall.
BATON ROUGE – Madie Jones and Helen Boyle give LSU a powerful 1-2 punch on the outside. Jones had a breakout junior campaign and belted a team-best 380 kills at a 3.55 per set average. The Louisiana Volleyball Player of the Year tabulated 14 of her 20 double digit kills performances and elevated her average to a 3.82 kills per set during SEC play.
Boyle shouldered a six-rotation load during her 28 starts as an All-SEC Freshman-Team performer. She compiled a balanced 2.06 kills, 2.93 digs and 0.38 blocks per set.
“Madie and Helen are two outstanding outsides that bring something unique to our offense,” Flory said. “I think Madie is extremely motivated for her senior year, while Helen has a chance to build on her solid freshman season. Both can terminate using a variety of shots. Being able to end long rallies and win tightly-contested sets is going to be a key component to our success in 2012.”
Cati Leak and Katie Lindelow also will be in the mix for time on the outside. Leak racked up 2,913 kills and 2,256 digs as the two-time Alabama Gatorade Player of the Year recipient after leading Guntersville High School to a trio of state championships.
Lindelow recorded 1,430 kills and 1,321 digs at Mandeville High School en route to the 2010 Louisiana Gatorade Player of the Year award. She comes from a strong volleyball pedigree as her sister, Rachel, was a 2009 AVCA All-American Honorable Mention pick at Tulane.
“We’re pleased anytime we can add the top volleyball players from Louisiana and Alabama to our program,” Flory said. “Cati and Katie are tremendous athletes who are fierce competitors. They are physical, six-rotation players that will rise to any challenge that are presented and will push for playing time right away.”
A combination of Jones, Leak and Madi Mahaffey will take swings on the right side when not at their original positions.
LSU, who is receiving votes in the preseason edition of the AVCA Top 25 poll, travels to the 26 West Longhorns Classic to open the 2012 season. The Tigers will square off with tournament host and No. 2 Texas [Friday – 6 p.m.] along with No. 19 San Diego [Saturday – 9 a.m.] and Cal Poly [Saturday – 4 p.m.].
All three matches will have free live audio and live stats inside the Geaux Zone on LSUsports.net, while the Texas match will be televised live on the Longhorn Network.
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.
Admission to all 2012 home matches at the Maravich Center are free compliments of the Advocate’s “Geaux Free” program.