Sep 5, 2013
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AUBURN, Ala. - Auburn got a combined 41 kills from Kia Bright and Katherine Culwell, but Wisconsin-Green Bay was able to get points at crucial times as they outlasted the Tigers 3-2 (29-27, 24-26, 25-17, 22-25, 12-15), on Thursday at the Student Activities Center.
The Tigers (4-1) fell for the first time this season, mostly thanks to a stellar defensive effort from Green Bay (3-2) that saw the Phoenix record 13 blocks.
"We knew they were a scrappy team," Auburn head coach Rick Nold said. "We played them last year, and it was a battle. They've got a little different style than us. And it was kind of what we talked about last week, it was a matter of who was going to be able to control the pace of the game and play their style of volleyball. I thought they did a good job of being really aggressive. We've talked about these situations and how we have to respond, and we've got to make some adjustments. We'll start with that tomorrow."
Bright, a freshman playing in just her fifth collegiate match, racked up a career-best 21 kills to lead all hiters in the match. Culwell, meanwhile, recorded her third career 20-kill match and also was in on three blocks.
Senior Kathia Rud matched a career-high with 16 kills and picked up her first career double-double with 11 digs as well. Setter Chelsea Wintzinger also had a double-double, with Wintzinger posting 33 assists and 10 digs, along with two service aces. Freshman middle blocker Stephanie Campbell had five kills along with three service aces, and Camila Jersonsky turned in an 11-kill night.
Green Bay out-hit the Tigers .241-.209 and had 13 blocks to Auburn's four, but the Tigers won the remainder of the statistical categories with more kills (75-65), more digs (79-75) and more service aces (5-2).
The Phoenix were led by Leah Van Zeeland with 16 kills, 11 digs and five blocks, and Katie Mroczenski was a force at the net with nine blocks along with five kills.
Auburn will play two matches on Friday in the Active Ankle Challenge. The Tigers will face Mercer at noon, then close out the tournament with a match against Troy at 7 p.m. All matches are taking place in the Student Activities Center, and admission is free.
For the latest on Auburn volleyball, follow @AUVolleyball on Twitter and visit AuburnTigers.com.