RECAP: Texas A&M Falls to LSU in SEC Opener

Friday, September 22

Baton Rouge, La.

7 p.m.

Texas A&M

3-5, 0-1SEC

LSU

10-2, 1-0SEC

Texas A&M

LSU

Photo by: Glen Johnson/Texas A&M Athletics

Sep 22, 2017 | Volleyball

Box Score Box Score (LSU 3, A&M 0)

By: Texas A&M Media Relations

BATON ROUGE, La. – Texas A&M fell to LSU, 25-20, 25-22, 25-23, in both teams' Southeastern Conference season opener tonight at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.

The Aggies, who were without both starting senior outside hitter Kiara McGee and defensive specialist Gabby Litwin due to medical reasons, were outhit, .294 to .139, in the match and fall to 3-5 overall. LSU led A&M in kills (45-35), digs (55-39) and blocks (8-6) to improve to 10-2 and end a three-match losing skid against the Aggies.

LSU never trailed in the opening set and used a 4-0 run to build an early 9-3 lead. The Aggies, who were outhit, .324 to .111, managed to get within three points five times, the last coming at 19-16. LSU then got a block and a kill to go up 21-16, forcing A&M to call its second timeout. Junior middle blocker Kaitlyn Blake got an off-speed kill coming out of the timeout, but LSU, which had numerous impressive point-saving digs, countered with a kill. Sophomore outside hitter Hollann Hans then split the block for a kill that kept the Aggies within 22-18. A&M, however, lost a challenge on the ensuing play, putting the Tigers up, 23-18. An LSU block put the Tigers at set point, but Blake kept the Aggies alive with a kill on an LSU overpass followed by an ace. LSU's Gina Tillis then ended the set with a kill.

The Tigers once again jumped out to an early lead in the second set, using a 13-2 run to go up 14-5. The Aggies chipped away at the lead and got within four points five times before a kill by Toni Rodriguez put LSU at set point. A&M, which was outhit, .419 to .167, in the frame, continued its comeback, getting within 24-22 on a kill by Hans and back-to-back LSU miscues, before Taylor Bannister caromed a kill off the block to secure the win for LSU, putting the Tigers up 2-0 in the match.

The Aggies used a 3-0 run, which included the first career ace by sophomore defensive specialist Haley Slocum, to take a 6-4 lead in the third set. A&M continued to carry the lead, 16-14, before LSU recorded three consecutive kills to go up 17-16. The Tigers led 18-17 before hitting into the net. Aggie sophomore Maddie Douglas then caught fire and teamed for three consecutive blocks to put A&M back in the lead, 21-18. A&M continued to lead, 23-21, following a kill by Blake, but it would be the Aggies' final point. A&M's serve sailed long, and LSU got a kill to tie the score 23-23. A&M's next two attack attempts went into the net as LSU closed out the 25-23 win on a four-point rally.

Hans led the Aggies with 14 kills, and libero Amy Nettles had a season-high 18 digs.

The Aggies open their SEC home slate on Sunday as they host defending SEC co-champion Missouri at 12 p.m. at Reed Arena. It is Take a Kid to the Match, and up to four kids will be admitted free with the purchase of one adult ticket. In addition, Kids Court will be open in the volleyball practice gym, and the first 100 kids to attend Kids Court will receive free popcorn.

Visit 12thMan.com for more information on Texas A&M volleyball. Aggie fans also can keep up to date with the A&M volleyball team on Facebook and on Twitter and Instagram by following @AggieVolleyball.