Sept. 21, 2013
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AUBURN, Ala. - Auburn's inaugural volleyball match in Auburn Arena ended in heartbreaking fashion as the Tigers dropped a five-set decision to No. 17 Florida State, 3-2 (22-25, 30-28, 16-25, 25-22, 11-15), before 705 fans on Saturday afternoon.
The Tigers (9-3) fell to 0-3 this season in five-set matches as all three Auburn losses have come in matches that went the distance. Auburn narrowly missed claiming their second win of the season and third all-time over a nationally-ranked opponent in the 17th-ranked Seminoles (7-4).
"It was an up-and-down game," Auburn head coach Rick Nold said. "I thought that when we were the more aggressive team, things started going in our favor. They started being much more aggressive with their serve, and I don't think we handled that the way we can. That caused the shift in momentum, and for us, we've got to battle back in those situations. I thought we showed some good things, but against a team like that, you've got to fight all the way to the end."
Despite a size disadvantage across the front row, Auburn held the advantage in the blocking game, out-blocking the Seminoles 12-11. The Tigers also hit .250 for the match, their highest in a losing effort this season, but struggles in the service and serve-receive game proved to be the difference. Florida State recorded seven service aces and forced numerous overpasses for easy kills, and Auburn had just one ace and committed six errors on serve.
"We're not a terribly tall team, but we can attack in some different ways," Nold said. "The part we talk to our team about is that we want to be the aggressor, whether we're in system or out of system. When we were doing that, I thought we were very successful. But when we let them get set up for an easy blocking situation, that's going to play in their favor if we're not aggressive on our side."
For the first time all year, Auburn lost the digs battle as FSU had 61 digs to Auburn's 58. FSU also had 76 kills to Auburn's 62.
Camila Jersonsky matched her career-high with 18 kills on the day while hitting .457 to lead the Tigers. She also matched a season-high with seven blocks in the match. Kathia Rud posted 11 kills with just two errors for a .360 hitting mark, and Katherine Culwell turned in a 10-kill performance along with nine digs. Rud also had four blocks.
Freshman Stephanie Campbell had a season-high 10 kills and six blocks while hitting .333, and Kia Bright and Courtney McDonald had five kills apiece. Bright was also in on three blocks.
Chelsea Wintzinger had her seventh double-double of the year with 31 assists and 10 digs. Sarah Wroblicky led Auburn with 12 digs.
It was the first match for the Tigers at four-year-old Auburn Arena. Eight of Auburn's remaining nine home matches - all in Southeastern Conference play - will take place at the Arena.
"I think for our program it's an exciting move for us," Nold said. "We would have like to have started off with a big win, which didn't happen, but it's a great venue for us. When you look long-term, in terms of recruiting, it's going to help us a lot. Hopefully next time we can come out and get a win."
The Tigers will return to the Auburn Arena floor next week to face their second-straight nationally-ranked foe. Kentucky, ranked No. 19 in the latest AVCA poll, will be across the net for Auburn at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27. Admission, as always, is free.