TUSCALOOSA , Ala. – Following the cancellation of the Alabama State match, the Tide looked to improve on their momentum from their previous three set sweep of Missouri, but ultimately fell short against the LSU Tigers in 5 (19-25, 25-17, 28-26, 25-27, 7-15).
The Tide were nearly point-for-point with the Tigers through the beginning of set 1, trailing 14-16. LSU stole the momentum, however, as they shot ahead to a set point at 18-24, and the Tide dropped set 1 19-25.
An early 5-1 run allowed the Tide to hold an 8-4 lead to begin the second set. An ace by graduate student OH Abby Marjama continued the momentum as the Tide led 18-13. A double block by junior OH Kendyl Reaugh and junior MH Chaise Campbell extended the lead to 20-14, and the Tide took a dominant 25-17 set 2 win.
Set 3 saw both teams dead even for the duration. Alabama trailed 13-15, and eventually tied it up with the Tigers at 23. LSU held set point at 23-24, but the Tide fended it off. A kill by Reaugh gave the Tide their own set point at 26-25, and they soon took set 3 28-26.
The entirety of set 4 was as competitive as set 3. Both teams were trading points from start to finish. Alabama trailed 14-15 at a media timeout, but a block from senior MH Alyiah Wells and senior OPP Emily Janek drew the teams level at 20. LSU held set point at 21-24, but the Tide rallied to make it 24-24. However, the Tigers would deny the Tide a win and 4 and take the fourth set 25-27.
In the decisive 5th set, the Tide struggled to find their rhythm as the Tigers jumped out to a quick 5-10 lead. LSU took set 5 7-15 and won the match.
Following the loss, the Tide falls to 7-13 (1-7) on the season.
