LSU volleyball to open in Creighton tourney

• Advocate news services
• Published: Aug 29, 2008 - UPDATED: 7:07 a.m.

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OMAHA, Neb. — The No. 21-ranked LSU volleyball team opens the season this weekend in the Bluejay Invitational hosted by Creighton.

The Tigers square off against Texas A&M at 4 p.m. today. They will also play matches Saturday against Creighton (10 a.m.) and No. 16 Minnesota (5:30 p.m.)

“This team has had some very good practices, and I know they’re ready to play,” LSU coach Fran Flory said. “I’ve put the pressure on them to succeed because this is a group who can handle it. They believe in their abilities and truly believe they can win the match every time they step out on the court.”

Texas A&M, LSU’s first opponent, returns eight letterwinners from a 21-10 team, including six players who have started for nearly two years at least.

“I think playing Texas A&M will be a great test for us to start the season,” Flory said. “After just missing out on the NCAA tournament last year, this is a key match for A&M and one that can help them get in this year when all is said and done.”

Creighton finished 21-10 a year ago and welcomes back four starters and nine letterwinners from that squad. Minnesota went 18-13 in 2007 and was a participant in the NCAA tournament for a ninth straight year. The Golden Gophers return four starters and their libero.

LSU returns six starters in addition to senior libero Elena Martinez. Martinez along with senior outside hitter Kyna Washington and junior middle blocker Lauren DeGirolamo were All-Southeastern Conference selections in 2007 and also made the all-conference preseason team. The Tigers have added freshmen in Lauren Waclawczyk and Michele Williams and acquired junior setter Sam Dabbs, who transferred from Louisville.

The Tigers, who have won three straight Southeastern Conference Western Division titles, are also vying for a fourth consecutive trip to the NCAA tournament.

The women’s basketball team, which has advanced to five straight NCAA Final Fours, began preparations Monday starts a Labor Day weekend exhibition trip Saturday to Vancouver, Canada.

According to NCAA regulations, teams are allowed to make a trip away from the United States every four years.

The Lady Tigers will play a doubleheader Saturday, beginning with Trinity Western University at 12:30 p.m.

The Lady Tigers will then take on the University of British Columbia, defending champions of the Canadian Interuniversity Sport Conference at 5 p.m. CDT. LSU wraps up exhibition play at 7 p.m. Sunday against Simon Frasier University.