Part 1: Setters
Part 2: Middle Blockers
Part 3: Outside Hitters
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
Last in a four-part series previewing the upcoming season takes a glance at what LSU fans can expect from the Tiger defensive specialists this fall.
BATON ROUGE – LSU returns two-thirds of its defensive unit in Meghan Mannari and Sam Delahoussaye that racked up a SEC-best 16.52 digs per set during SEC matches.
Mannari sparked the back row defense with 518 digs at a 4.67 digs per set average to rank second in the SEC. The 518 digs for the 2011 AVCA All-South Region Honorable Mention recipient also was the third-highest total for a single season. She also cranked a team-high 38 aces, charted a team-best 14 perfect passer rating with 10 or more attempts and heads into the season 189 scoops away from reaching the 1,000-digs plateau.
“Meghan has clearly brought her game up to its highest level as she enters her senior season fresh off a silver medal with the USA A2 Program,” Flory said. “We’re extremely proud of the steps that she took in 2011 moving into the libero role on our defense in 2011.”
Delahoussaye has started her career with 92 consecutive appearances and has been a key contributor to LSU’s ability to play excellent defense and pass well. She corralled 2.16 digs per set and totaled 10 double figure dig performances to rank fourth on the team.
Brittany Steele and Haley Smith will add depth to the backcourt. Steele has seen limited action during their first two seasons with the Tigers, while Smith registered 962 digs to secure a program single-season record at Chalmette High School in Louisiana.
“Our back row continues to embrace our mantra of the first touch being the most important,” Flory said. “Their ability to work together and pass at a high level consistently will allow our high-octane offense to stay in-system. The unit has great comradery and is very comfortable playing with each other. They’ll continue to provide our team with outstanding energy and will make match-changing plays when we need them.”
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.