Sometimes the longer a team waits for a win, the sweeter it is. Such is the case for Mississippi State volleyball. The squad notched its second win of the year Friday night against LSU and its first Southeastern Conference win of the campaign.
“It’s great to see smiles on the faces of the players again,” said Bulldog head coach Brenda Bowlin. “We had the balance, the consistency and the composure over a complete match that we’ve been looking for all season.”
Behind a powerful performance from sophomore Rachel Cooper (22 kills), the Bulldogs built a quick two-game lead over the Tigers.
LSU quickly caught fire, however, and rattled off two straight victories to force a fifth and deciding game. It was then that the mental toughness of the Bulldogs kicked in, and the team rallied for an 11-kill, no error performance to finish the Tigers 15-10 in the final game.
“We really came together (Friday night),” said senior Jennifer Rousey. “We minimized our mistakes, and were able to play as a team.”
“It was such a relief to win again. We’ve been on the brink for so long, and it’s just so exciting to have finally pushed through.”
Rousey returned to the lineup Friday night for the first time in over a month after having knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus. Her return was not a quiet one, posting five kills and thirteen blocks (a career high) in the win over the Tigers.
“Jennifer’s presence gave us an added edge,” said Bowlin. “She had a career-night at the net and contributed crucial kills when we needed them.”
Rousey said it was a thrill to be playing for the team again.
“It’s so frustrating to be sitting on sidelines. It felt fantastic to get back out on there and play. It still hurts, but with two weeks left in the season, I’m starting to realize how much I’m going to miss it.”
The Bulldogs will play at home for the final four games of the 2003 regular season, starting with Senior Night this Friday against Auburn.