Aug. 26, 2006
Dallas, Texas - The Tigers and Mustangs battled it out in a five-game thriller as SMU came out on top, 30-27, 28-30, 25-30, 30-19, 12-15. Sophomore Joanna Pappas and junior Rachel Shanks were named to the SMU Invitational All-Tournament team and as a squad the Tigers were runner-up in the four team field. Auburn moved to 2-1 on the season and SMU improved to 3-0.
"When we manage the ball in serve-receive our offense is very good and that is going to be the case every year regardless of whatever team you have," head coach Laura Farina said. "I was really happy with how we handled game one. We came out emotionally ready which I believe just elevated our ability to execute our game plan. Anytime that we were emotionally flat we struggled. The team has to learn that they are in charge of that emotional intensity and learning how to manage that and keep their poise is going to be key for us."
Auburn had two players turn in double-double performances. Shanks posted 18 kills and matched that with 18 digs while Jelena Sekulic had 12 kills and 10 digs. Shanks also served up four aces. In addition, Whitney Jacob and Dalia Naidzinaviciute combined for 22 kills. On defense, Pappas had a career high 11 digs, while assisting on 51 plays, also a career high.
"Joanna [Pappas] had a phenomenal weekend. The hard work that she has put in and the investments that she has made, it was nice seeing that come our in game situations," Farina noted. "There was somewhat of an unsung hero award with Julie [Bosler] because the stats aren't going to show her emotional strength. She was just charged emotionally about owning the net and blocking and fighting for points."
As a team the Tigers hit .194 for the match, with a .259 hitting percentage in game four as the high. Auburn turned in eight team blocks compared to SMU's nine. The Mustangs hit .215 for the match, with a high of .325 in game two.
The Tigers controlled the pace of game one through the midway point before SMU made a late surge. The Mustangs turned in five straight points as AU stood at game point, but the Tigers were able to close out game one, 30-27, off a block by Jacob.
Game two was a battle back in forth between AU and SMU with five tied situations. With the score tied at 13 all, the Mustangs gained momentum and captured the lead until the end, winning 30-28 to even the overall match score at one a piece.
The Tigers looked in position to capture game three as they held the lead throughout the majority of the game. After seven consecutive points by SMU, the Mustangs found themselves with a four point lead, 27-23. Auburn would score two more points but SMU rallied to end the game at 30-25. With the win in game three, SMU took the match advantage, 2-1.
In game four, Auburn took control after being down 0-3 to start. SMU and AU would trade the lead six times before the Tigers energy was elevated after a kill by Bosler to put them up 15-14. Auburn would reel of five straight points before SMU called a timeout. The Tigers kept the momentum going after the break and ended the match with several runs and the win, 30-19.
"We have some things to work on. Thank goodness it is early in the season and we need to fix them now. There is a sense of urgency every time we take practice. We are going to be a team all year where everyone needs to be playing well and we are just going to fight through and gut some matches out."
The final game would not disappoint the 500 fans in Moody Coliseum as the game was neck-and-neck the entire way. After a tied score a six all, SMU held the lead but Auburn put the pressure on a 12-11 (SMU). Auburn would score only once more as the Mustangs rallied for the win 15-12.
Auburn continues the season on Tuesday at Kennesaw State. The Tigers return home for the Mizuno/Auburn Challenge on Sept. 1-2 in the Student Activities Center. Auburn will face Arizona State on Friday evening and Virginia Tech and #16 Purdue Saturday. Fans are encouraged to come out and cheer on the Tigers. Admission is free.