Aggie volleyball drops fifth straight to LSU in 2022 home finale, 3-1
In the final game at Reed Arena this season, Texas A&M volleyball fell to LSU on Wednesday night, 3-1.
The match also marked senior night for the Aggies, where seniors Destiny Cox, Lauren Davis, Elena Karakasi, Madison Bowser, Allison Fields and Cierra Hecht were honored for their time in the Texas A&M volleyball program.
“A&M is the best school you can be a part of for athletics,” Fields said. “The things they provide for us are second to none. I am very grateful.”
The Aggies battled through another hard-fought SEC battle but were again unable to pull out with a win, dropping their fifth in a row. Caroline Meuth totaled 23 kills, eight digs and three total blocks on the night. Mia Johnson also totaled double-digit kills with 14 and 10 digs.
In the first set, the Aggies came out in dominant fashion, setting the game’s tone quickly. They jumped ahead immediately with a 5-1 lead and maintained that lead throughout the 25 points. LSU made several errors throughout the set, adding to the Aggies' momentum and paving the way for a first-set victory, 25-16.
The second set did not carry the same tone as the first. LSU found the lead early and put the ball down more effectively than the Aggies. A&M was unable to find a consistent back row, with Ava Underwood struggling throughout the match and the offense struggling to find holes in LSU’s defense. LSU controlled the set from point one and won, 25-16.
“It comes down to executing the big points and the big moments,” Fields said. “We just need to figure out a way to put the ball away and win.”
The third set went point-for-point until the very end. The Aggie offense continued to stutter but found some holes to help the defense. The Aggies maintained the score with big plays from Meuth, Karakasi and Johnson. Toward the end of the match, Karakasi pulled the Aggies ahead 21-19 with a huge block, but it was not enough to take the set. LSU battled back and was able to tie the score at 24. However, A&M couldn’t regain control and lost the set, 26-24.
The fourth set was another tight battle. The Aggies fought hard and were able to gain some momentum throughout different points in the match. Toward the end, the Aggies almost pulled out the win with a kill from Meuth to bring the score to 24-22. Yet, LSU again battled back with a four-point scoring run to close the match out 26-24.
Texas A&M will finish the regular season at Missouri with a two-match series this weekend starting Saturday at 6 p.m. CT.