Maryland volleyball splits doubleheader in LSU Tournament

Photo courtesy of Mackenzie Miles/Maryland Terrapins

Maryland hoped to carry its momentum from a hard-fought victory to game two of the LSU Tournament, but no one had more momentum than Jurnee Robinson. 

While Troy kept pace with the Terps (1-1) in Maryland’s season opener, discipline and efficiency proved to be the deciding factors. Every set was within eight points, but Hughes’ squad ultimately played the cleaner game, prevailing 3-0.

The Trojans hit a paltry .035, while Maryland’s hitting percentage was .154, largely because the Terps committed half the hitting errors Troy did. The Terps also got more well-rounded offensive production outside of their stars.

Outside hitters Tori Hester and Amiah Butler, expected to be staples for Troy’s attack this year, combined for 26 of the team’s 36 kills. Samantha Schnitta paced the Terps with 10 kills while sophomores Sydney Bryant and Eva Rohrbach each contributed four kills. 

Rohrbach flashed her potential in her freshman year as perhaps Maryland’s most efficient hitter. Hitting a solid .273 against Troy, look for Rohrbach to be a focal point in the Terps’ offense, especially if she gets more opportunity.

Maryland’s tried-and-true vets did their job as well, with seniors Anastasia Russ (3.5 total blocks, 7.5 points) and Sydney Dowler (22 assists, nine points) having productive outings.

The Terps would turn around and face tournament host LSU only a few hours later. 

The Tigers (2-0) clawed their way to a reverse sweep victory over New Hampshire earlier that day, a feat that would leave many teams gassed. But star sophomore Jurnee Robinson had the energy to one-up her outstanding performance.

Robinson got off to a scorching start for LSU. She recorded eight kills in the first set en route to the Tigers claiming the set. 

The 2023 All-SEC Freshman Team member cooled off in the second set with only four kills, allowing Maryland to knot the match at one. The second set was a bit of a scare for the Terps as they led by as much as nine, though only eeked the set out by three points.

Robinson continued to be the defining player of the match in set three, tallying nine kills and inching closer to her career high of 24. Maryland was its own worst enemy down the stretch, committing three consecutive attack errors followed by a service error to lose the set.

The fourth and final set told the story of the match. Maryland kept up with LSU for the entire set, keeping within striking range, but Jurnee Robinson proved to be unstoppable. Robinson posted seven kills to close out the match, as the Terps fell 3-1. Robinson finished the match with a career-best 28 kills, turning in likely the finest performance of her bright career.

Despite the loss, the Terps should not hang their heads. It took a stellar performance from a rising star in the sport to defeat them, and even then, Maryland kept the match competitive throughout. Outside hitter Sam Csire racked up a solid 14 kills and Eva Rohrbach continued to shine, hitting .300 for the match and recording 11 blocks.

Looking to rebound against New Hampshire tomorrow at 1 p.m., the Terps have no time for their confidence to be shaken.