Aug. 22, 2016
AUBURN, Ala. ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃƒÆ'¢'¬" The 2016 Auburn volleyball team is bringing a wealth of experience back this season and the squad has its eyes set on December. Leadership in every position will be crucial on the team's road to their ultimate goal and it all starts with the "quarterback" position ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃƒÆ'¢'¬" setter.
The Tigers will once again look to Alexa Filley (Louisville, Ky.) to pace the Auburn offense this year and bring a new level of leadership to the team.
"The biggest thing we are hoping to see from Alexa this year is her leadership," head coach Rick Nold said. "We talked to her about how she could really impact the team in that area and we've already seen a change this preseason from her."
The junior again had a record-breaking season as the two-year starter broke her own 25-point rally scoring era record for assists in 2015, having 1,226. Filley finished as an AVCA All-South Region honorable mention, averaging 10.13 assists per set. The Tiger hitters averaged 13.1 kills per set with her directing the ball and the hitters' 1,588 total kills ranked among the Top 10 in Auburn program single season history.
In addition to her specific setting skills, Filley's ability to attack is also what Auburn hopes to see more of this season.
"We really want to expand her game as far as attacking goes this year as well," Nold said. "She is a really good athlete and we want to take advantage of that. Her all-around game is one that could really impact a match in many different ways."
Joining Filley this season in the setter corps is freshman Taylor Hammill (Greenwood, Ind.). The 5-11 setter comes to Auburn after playing for Center Grove High School and Circle City Club. The Indiana All-State performer has brought a high level of competition to the gym and will be a great addition to the Tiger team.
"Every team Taylor has been on has competed at a very high level," Nold said. "She is a good athlete and has shown her ability to attack in the preseason. She has very strong hands and, with Filley showing her the ropes, there is a strong competition in the gym that will help both of them this year."
The Tigers open the 2016 season in Auburn Arena, hosting the War Eagle Invitational, Aug. 26-27. Auburn is set to welcome Georgia Tech, Furman and Pacific for the two-day tournament and will take on the Yellow Jackets Friday at 7 p.m. to kick off the year.
Stay tuned as AuburnTigers.com will take a look at the outside hitters Tuesday, Aug. 23!
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