TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES
LSU recorded its first sweep of a Southeastern Conference opponent this season, defeating South Carolina, 25-20, 25-18, 25-22, on Friday night at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.
The sweep marked LSU’s first at the Maravich Center since a straight-set victory over Auburn on Nov. 17, 2024.
The Tigers (8-8, 3-4 SEC) hit .257 with 47 kills and five service aces while recording 50 digs and five blocks defensively. LSU also held the Gamecocks (8-9, 1-6 SEC) to a .170 hitting percentage.
Outside hitter Jurnee Robinson recorded her 10th double-double of the season with 14 kills and 10 digs. She also tied for the team lead with three blocks, including a solo, and led all players with 16 points. Outside hitter Lainee Pyles followed with a season-high 11 kills and one ace for 12 points.
Setter Martina Villani narrowly missed a double-double with a season-high 31 assists and nine digs. Villani also contributed a block. Middle blocker Jessica Jones finished with seven kills on a .462 hitting percentage and three blocks. Libero Kiley Brooks led all players with 13 digs and added an ace, while defensive specialist Ella Hemmings recorded a season-best two service aces.
SET 1
LSU scored the first three points and maintained a 15-12 advantage at the media timeout. The Tigers never relinquished the lead, closing out the opening set, 25-20, on a service ace by defensive specialist Emilee Prochaska.
LSU hit .255 with 17 kills in the set. Robinson led the Tigers with seven kills on a .375 hitting percentage, while right side Camryn Jeffery and Pyles added four kills apiece.
SET 2
The Tigers again opened the set with three consecutive points and extended their lead to 17-11, prompting a South Carolina timeout. LSU continued to build its advantage, moving ahead 22-14 before closing out the set, 25-18, to take a 2-0 match lead.
LSU posted a set-best .346 hitting percentage with 13 kills and three blocks. Jeffery, Pyles and Robinson recorded three kills apiece, while Robinson added three blocks. Hemmings contributed two service aces.
SET 3
South Carolina claimed its first lead of the match by scoring the opening point, but LSU responded with a 6-0 run to take a 12-7 advantage. The Gamecocks answered by scoring eight of the next 10 points, including a 5-0 run, to take a 15-14 lead at the media timeout.
After South Carolina extended its advantage to 17-15, LSU responded with seven consecutive points to move ahead 22-17. The Gamecocks rallied once more, cutting the deficit to 23-22, but Pyles delivered a kill and followed with a service ace to seal the 25-22 set victory and the sweep.
Jones, Pyles and Robinson each recorded four kills in the final set. Pyles led the way with 5.0 points, highlighted by the match-clinching ace.
UP NEXT
LSU returns to the Maravich Center at 1 p.m. Sunday to face Georgia.
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.

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