LSU Volleyball Dominates Late To Beat Alabama, 3-2, In SEC Opener

TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES

An overwhelming finish in the fifth set propelled LSU to a 3-2 (25-23, 20-25, 25-19, 24-26, 15-3) victory over Alabama in its Southeastern Conference opener on Wednesday night at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.

LSU (6-4, 1-0 SEC) improves to 3-1 in five-set matches this season and 27-17 in SEC home-opening matches. The Tigers snapped Alabama’s (8-2, 0-1 SEC) six-match winning streak and improved to 46-31 all-time against the Crimson Tide, including a 25-6 mark when playing in Baton Rouge.

Although the match remained competitive through the first four sets, LSU held the statistical advantage in kills (60-50), hitting percentage (.209-.148) and assists (52-45) while also recording a season-high seven aces. Defensively, the Tigers held Alabama to a .148 hitting percentage while recording 63 digs and 13.0 blocks.

LSU held an opponent under a .200 attacking percentage while recording 10 or more blocks for the sixth time this season.

Outside hitter Jurnee Robinson recorded a 22-kill, 12-dig double-double for her sixth of the season and 35th of her career. She also added two blocks and 23 total points. Middle blocker Jessica Jones posted a season-high 12 kills on a .474 hitting percentage while adding four blocks. Right side Camryn Jeffery recorded her fourth double-digit kill performance in a five-match stretch, finishing with 10 kills and matching a season best with five blocks, including one solo stop. She also recorded her first career ace.

Middle blocker Sanaa Donaie led all players with seven blocks, marking her third consecutive match with at least six. Donaie and defensive specialist Emilee Prochaska each recorded a career-high two aces. Libero Kiley Brooks recorded a match-high 17 digs and added an ace, while setter Lauren Brooker finished with 40 assists, eight digs, three blocks and three kills.

LSU returns to action Sunday at Mississippi State (2 p.m., SEC Network+.

For the latest news and information on Tiger volleyball, visit www.lsusports.net/volleyball. Fans can follow the team on its social media outlets at www.facebook.com/lsuvolleyball and @lsuvolleyball on Instagram and X.