SIESTA KEY, FLA. — The LSU Sand Volleyball team (10-8) capped off the Fiesta at Siesta Key Tournament in Florida today with both bracket and pool play for the top six pairs.
“Today was a good opportunity to allow our kids to train and play with different partners,” said head coach Russell Brock. “I wanted to get some of our defenders in matchups with different blockers to see how they respond. It was really important watching some of them expand their game.”
The pairing of Helen Boyle and Cati Leak fought hard in their match against Florida State, but the two were unable to prevail, losing in a tough two-setter 21-19, 21-17.
Mandi Orellana and Katie Lindelow fell in two sets to College of Charleston in the Gold Bracket. The number three duo of Callan Molle and Katarina Raicevic also lost in straight sets.
For the four and five pairs, Carly Morris and Cheyenne Wood knocked off Tulane in three sets, but the two were defeated by South Carolina and Florida Atlantic in two sets. Riley Young and Emma Hiller won both matches against Tulane and Florida Atlantic, but the duo fell to South Carolina in their third match
The number six pair of Emily Ehrle and Laura Whalen beat ULM and lost to College of Charleston in straight sets.
“At this point, I think we’ll look at how this weekend went and evaluate and look for our best options,” said coach Brock. “I thought the pair that gave us some good insight was Cheyenne and Carly, because Carly is a blocker for us and in her more natural position. She and Cheyenne were clicking really well. It was good to see what Carly is capable of and to see Cheyenne play behind someone other than Helen. It brings us a good perspective of all the new pairings.”
The Lady Tigers will return to action this Saturday at Mango’s Beach Volleyball Club in Baton Rouge for the Battle on the Bayou Tournament.
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