Bulldogs Top LSU In Five-Set Thriller

BATON ROUGE, La. – The Mississippi State volleyball team closed out the series against LSU with a thrilling five-set victory on Sunday afternoon in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.

The Bulldogs opened the match with a 26-24 victory, but the Tigers followed up with a 25-16, 25-16 in the second and third frame. MSU stormed back with a 25-21 win in the fourth to force a deciding fifth set. The Bulldogs grabbed the fifth set with a 16-14 victory.

"What a day for the VolleyDawgs - super proud of our focus and determination today," head coach Julie Darty Dennis said. "We came out with the desire and discipline to get it done through some really tough moments and I am so proud of my team."

MSU was led on the offensive attack by Gabby Waden, who posted a 22-kill performance on the afternoon. Waden also added 11 digs to earn her third double-double on the season.

"[Gabby] Waden had to step back into a six-rotation role for part of the match and did a great job being smart with her attack selection."

Sania Petties and Deja Robinson added 12 kills apiece in the five-set match. Petties issued nine digs and a team-leading seven blocks. Robinson earned a .360 hitting clip on her 12 kills, while adding two blocks.

"Our middles were amazing both days, but today they were incredible. So much credit to Deja [Robinson] and Sania [Petties] for executing and following our game plan!

Lauren Myrick tallied 10 kills and 16 digs to earn her seventh double-double. Freshman Sophie Agee saw her first start for MSU, where she earned a career-high eight kills, three digs and three blocks.

"Sophie [Agee] and Lauren [Myrick] both did a fantastic job with their attack selection and managing risk, yet also staying aggressive."

Gabby Coulter anchored the Bulldogs offense by dishing out 44 assists, along with a career-best 21 digs for her team-leading thirteenth double-double. Emily Oerther added 12 assists, five digs and an ace on the afternoon.

State's backcourt defense was led by Lilly Gunter with a career-best 36 digs and Lacey Jeffcoat followed with a 10-dig effort of her own. Gunter also added four assists in the five-setter.

"Lilly's [Gunter] defensive effort anchored us, and allowed us to stay in some super long rallies. Gunter was really focused today and did a nice job digging so many tough swings. Lacey [Jeffcoat] also did a fantastic job playing in a defensive specialist role for us today."

As a team, MSU compiled 112 digs, 66 kills, 62 assists and 14 blocks.

"Total team win, against a very tough and scrappy LSU team today!"

Mississippi State is back in action on Nov. 5 when they head to Tuscaloosa, Ala. to take on Alabama. Saturday's matchup is set for 2 p.m. CT.

For more information on the Bulldog volleyball program, visit HailState.com or search for "HailStateVB" on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Mississippi State University Athletics

Bulldogs Top LSU In Five-Set Thriller

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