Sept. 11, 2009
STATESBORO, Ga. - The Auburn volleyball team picked up a 3-0 (25-17, 26-24, 25-20) victory over Coastal Carolina on day one of the Bash in the `Boro tournament on the campus of Georgia Southern University. With the win, the Tigers improve to 6-3 on the season.
We did a good job serving better, which is what we wanted to do today," Wade Benson, head volleyball coach, said. "Our offensive rhythm wasn't as sharp as we wanted and Coastal Carolina did a nice job passing. Overall, we did a nice job overcoming a fairly average performance and a few individuals put together nice plays to help us win."
Auburn freshman Katherine Culwell recorded her first double-double of the season, picking up a career-best 15 kills and 12 digs. Junior Morgan Johns added 10 kills, while libero Liz Crouch had 17 digs. Freshman Sarah Bullock finished with 12 digs and a game-best three service aces.
The Chanticleers (2-5) were led by Chelsy Kimes and Amanda Russell, having each finish with eight kills.
The Tigers opened up the first set with a 6-0 run, highlighted by three-straight kills from Culwell. Auburn continued to hold its lead, going up by as much as eight at 12-4. Coastal Carolina pushed and brought the score within five at the 13-8 mark, but an 8-3 run by the Tigers pushed the team to a 25-17 victory.
Set two saw Auburn catch the quick lead at 3-1, but with the score tied at six apiece, the Chanticleers went on 4-2 run to take their first lead of the match at 10-8. Coastal Carolina held the lead throughout most of the match, but a big 6-0 run pushed Auburn ahead, 22-19. The Chanticleers did not give up, tying the score at 24 apiece. A kill from Bullock and another from Johns, however, gave Auburn the 26-24 win.
Coastal Carolina started set three with a quick 6-2 lead. The Tigers fought back, going on an 8-3 run to take the 10-9 advantage. The two teams went back and forth, seeing six ties and two lead changes. At the 16-16 mark, Auburn put together a 5-2 run, highlighted by a pair of kills from Bullock. The Tigers continued to push and would close the match with a 25-20 win.
Auburn takes on Wake Forest on Sept. 12, at 9 a.m. on day two of the Bash in the `Boro tournament. The team closes out the weekend with a match against host Georgia Southern on 6 p.m.