BATON ROUGE – The LSU volleyball program began its journey for the 2013 season with two spirited workouts Saturday at the team’s practice facility inside the Maravich Center. The Tigers spent close to five hours on the practice court between the morning and afternoon sessions.
LSU reported to campus on Friday where the Tigers met with the academic center and compliance department before taking their physicals with the athletic training staff.
“We truly had an outstanding first day of practice,” head coach Fran Flory said. “The team reported focused, fit and prepared in almost every area. Their investment in their summer conditioning program was evident. It also was very evident that they have spent quite a bit of time in the gym refining their skill sets to be ready for preseason camp. The coaching staff is very excited about the athleticism and depth at every position.”
Five starters which include Helen Boyle, Desiree Elliott, Khourtni Fears, Cati Leak and Malorie Pardo return for the 2013 season. They are joined by a talented group of five newcomers itching to make an instant impact. Emily Ehrle and Laura Whalen join the Tigers from Texas Tech and Texas State, while Briana Holman was listed among Volleyball Magazine’s Fab 50 as a standout from Cedar Hill High School in Texas.
LSU will look to build on a competitive spring season and an effective European Tour over the summer. Earlier this week, the Tigers were named the SEC Western Division co-favorite, and Elliott was selected to the All-SEC Preseason Team for the second consecutive season.
“I think our returning players have learned a lot of valuable lessons from last season,” Flory said. “They all went through a lot of the same things – not succeeding enough and not being able to handle the toughest moments the way they wanted to. The good thing is they understand what it takes to succeed. The newcomers come in with a lot of experience already. If some right things happen, they can have a big impact on our team.”
LSU will hold its annual Purple & Gold Scrimmage on Saturday, Aug. 24 at 6 p.m. inside the Maravich Center where fans will have the opportunity to get their first glimpse of the 2013 Tigers. Admission to the scrimmage and the entire 2013 home schedule which features 13 matches beginning with the Tiger Classic on Aug. 30-31 are free compliments of The Advocate’s “Geaux Free” program.
Prior to the Purple & Gold Scrimmage, LSU will hold a free Kids Clinic where the Tigers will instruct basic skills beginning at 4 p.m. for children eighth grade and under. To reserve your spot, contact Lauren at promotions@lsu.edu by Friday, Aug. 23 and include how many children will be attending the event. Check-in for the Kids Clinic starts at 3 p.m.
LSU has earned 171 victories, an average of 21.4 wins per season, to go along with seven of the last eight SEC Western Division titles since 2005. The Tigers also are one of 34 programs to appear in six NCAA Tournaments during the previous eight-year stretch.
LSU will square off with Texas-San Antonio (Aug. 30 – 7 p.m.), UC Davis (Aug. 31 – 10 a.m.) and San Diego State (Aug. 31 – 7:30 p.m.) for the season-opening Tiger Classic at the Maravich Center. Admission is free courtesy of The Advocate’s “Geaux Free” program.
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.
2013 LSU Volleyball Preseason Practice Schedule – Times Subject to Change
Sunday, August 11
8:30-11 a.m.
3:45-4:45 p.m. – Fan Day Autographs
5:15-7:45
Monday, August 12
1-4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, August 13
8:30-11 a.m.
3-5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, August 14
8:30-11 a.m.
3-5:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 15
1-4:30 p.m.
Friday, August 16
8:30-11 a.m.
3-5:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 17
8:30-11 a.m.
3-5:30 p.m.
Sunday, August 18
1-4:30 p.m.
Monday, August 19
8:30-11 a.m.
3-5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, August 20
8:30-11 a.m.
3-5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, August 21
1-4:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 22
8:30-11 a.m.
3-5:30 p.m.
Friday, August 23
8:30-11 a.m.
3-5:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 24 [Maravich Center]
4 p.m. – Kid’s Clinic
6 p.m. – Purple & Gold Scrimmage
Sunday, August 25
Off
Monday, August 26
1:30-4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, August 27
1:30-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, August 28
1:30-4:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 29
1:30-4:30 p.m.
Friday, August 30
Tiger Classic [Maravich Center]
vs. Texas-San Antonio – 7 p.m.
Saturday, August 31
Tiger Classic [Maravich Center]
vs. UC Davis – 10 a.m.
vs. San Diego State – 7:30 p.m.