Lamarcardinals.com sat down with Lauren Holdorff to discuss hair, blocking and stepping up as a junior. Take a look at what she had to say.

Lamarcardinals.com: I'll start off with an ice breaker to get things started Lauren. Your hair has gone through several transitions over the last year. You've cut your hair short; it's been blonde, red and brown. I like the different looks, but what has inspired your ever changing locks?

L.H.: I just don't like things staying the same for too long. I need to change it up every month or so.

Lamarcardinals.com: So what's in store next, Cardinal Red?

L.H.: No, not Cardinals Red, but dark red and I'll probably cut it again after the season.

Lamarcardinals.com: Now that you are an upper classmen, how are things different? When you came in as a freshman and there are some expectations for what you can do and as a sophomore you know what you're supposed to do. Is there more pressure now?

L.H.: There is a ton more pressure. It's a whole different level of play. The underclassmen don't necessarily mimic you, but they follow your lead and go off of your energy. You have to bring it physically, mentally and emotionally every game or you're letting the team down. You don't have that responsibility as an underclassman. You can look to the juniors and seniors to pump you up and help you out.

Lamarcardinals.com: Your lead the team in blocks this year and you were second on the team in blocks a year ago. Why is it important for you all to maintain a strong defensive front?"

L.H.: The more we block the less defense we have to play as a team. Hopefully we can keep it up and our overall team defense will continue to get better.

Lamarcardinals.com: With all of the distractions and injuries you all have dealt with this season, how have you been able to stay focused on your goals and what do you have to do to remain focused for the rest of the year?

L.H.: It's been hard trying to get our focus back after a week and a half off and everyone dealing with the hurricane and things back at home because of the storm. It broke our focus, but I think once our heads are in the right position, knowing that we are playing every game for a championship we'll get to where we need to be. There's no room to slip up now.

Lamarcardinals.com: Being a junior it's not like you are stepping in as a freshman to fill in for someone, but you and Shalayne (Blythe) are filling the shoes of the 2007 Southland Conference Player of the Year Molli Abel. You did the same thing in high school when Molli came here to Lamar, is it different than it was then or do you even think about it?

L.H.: I didn't think about it at the beginning of the season and that's probably why my play was lacking. When conference started getting closer it was time for someone to step up. Shalayne and I both realized it was our time to step up and do what we need to do. Molli was such a great player and we lost so much in her. We need someone on the team to bring the intensity she had and Shalayne and I need to fill that loss together.

Lamarcardinals.com: Since you're fired up and ready to go, I'll let you get ready for practice. Thanks for stopping by.