TUCSON, Ariz. — The LSU sand volleyball team (1-2) dropped it’s second match of the year after being defeated by Arizona 4-1 on day two of the Arizona Invitational.
“Our sport is about playing our game. You can be in any match if you can control the ball…we now have two more opportunities to play against teams that we expect to play strong,” said head coach Russell Brock. “We need to take care of our side of the net effectively and efficiently.”
Arizona would start the match with an early lead as Carly Morris and Emily Ehrle lost in straight sets on court four to Taylor Arizobal and Allie Cook 13-21, 18-21.
Emma Hiller and Laura Whalen fought to take both sets on court six 21-17, 21-15 to help tie the match 1-1 for LSU. The Wildcats would regain the lead as Sarah Seiber and Hailey Devlin defeated Riley Young and Cheyenne Wood in a two-set match on court five 13-21, 18-21.
LSU attempted to rally with Cati Leak and Callan Molle winning a tough, three-set battle on court three against Kendall Polan and Rachel Rhoades 21-19, 19-21, 16-14.
“Just like any sport, whether it’s overtime in football or basketball, that’s where games get the most focus. The fact that they (Leak and Molle) have stayed focused (through three straight three-set matches) says a lot about their character and their resolve,” said coach Brock.
Arizona would take the lead for good as Helen Boyle and Lilly Kessler lost in straight sets on court two to the Witt sisters. Katie Lindelow and Mandi Orellana were also unable to overcome Madi Kingdon and Kaitlyn Leary as the pair fell 6-21, 17-21 on court one.
The Tigers will travel to Phoenix tomorrow to take on Grand Canyon at 11:30 a.m. CT and New Mexico at 1:30 for the final matches of the tournament.
“It’s two more matches for our players to play together and work together as a team and that’s what we’re looking for,” said coach Brock. “It’s another great challenge at the end of a long weekend.”
For the latest information on LSU Sand Volleyball, fans can follow the Tigers on Twitter and Instagram @LSUsandVB and @RussLSUsand, or on Facebook by liking LSU sand volleyball.
2015 Arizona Invitational
Tucson, Ariz.-University of Arizona
March 7
LSU vs. Arizona
1. Arizona: Madi Kingdon/Kaitlyn Leary def. LSU: Katie Lindelow/Mandi Orellana (L) 6-21, 17-21
2. Arizona: McKenna Witt/Madison Witt def. LSU: Helen Boyle/Lilly Kessler (L) 12-21, 6-21
3. LSU: Cati Leak/Callan Molle def. Arizona: Kendall Polan/Rachel Rhoades (W) 21-19, 19-21, 16-14
4. Arizona: Taylor Arizobal/Allie Cook def. LSU: Carly Morris/ Emily Ehrle (L) 13-21, 18-21
5. Arizona: Sarah Seiber/Hailey Devlin def. LSU: Riley Young/ Cheyenne Wood (L) 13-21, 18-21
6. LSU: Emma Hiller/Laura Whalen def. Arizona: Emily Kiser/Olivia Macdonald (W) 21-17, 21-15