Aug. 25, 2016
AUBURN, Ala. ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃƒÆ'¢'¬" The only position for the 2016 Auburn volleyball team to lose experience from the previous season is the defensive specialists, but it's nothing to be concerned about.
"Our three graduates from last year were all contributors in the back row," head coach Rick Nold said. "This was definitely an area we needed to address to make sure we had the same strength this year and I'm really excited for the group we have on the court right now."
Highlighting the back row is a pair of juniors in Jesse Earl (Indianapolis, Ind.) and Kelly Stewart (Tomball, Texas). Earl started all but two of last year's matches at libero and went on to break the program's single-season digs record with 516. Her 4.26 digs/set average came in second in program history and finished fifth overall in the Southeastern Conference. For her efforts, she was placed on the AVCA All-South Region team.
"Jesse had a really good year last year, but we also think she can get a lot better," Nold said. "She believes that, too. She's been putting in the time this preseason and so we expect to see her make a jump this year."
Stewart played in all 30 matches in 2015 with 11 starts as a defensive specialist. She finished the season with a 2.02 digs/set average and also contributed on the serving line, having 16 service aces for the Tigers.
"Kelly was a big piece of the puzzle last year and ended up moving into the primary libero spot this past spring," Nold said. "She is definitely someone we can rely on to put in tough situations. Her and Jesse have been really battling in practice and it's been a great thing for the both of them."
Returning this year with Earl and Stewart and adding experienced depth is sophomore Abigail Miller (Alexandria, Ind.) and junior Tate Pember (Kennesaw, Ga.).
"Tate had a really good summer and has done a great job passing the ball in preseason," Nold said. "She can step into a role if we need her at any point.
"Abby had more of a serving role for us last year because she has a really aggressive serve," Nold added. "Defensively, she's always been a good platform passer, but we wanted her to expand her range, and I think she's done that."
A pair of freshmen join the large group in Brienna Tankesley (Landisville, Pa.) and Karis Beasley (Granbury, Texas). The duo has brought a lot of athleticism to the court in the preseason and the coaching staff is anxious to see what they can do in competition.
"Brienna is an exceptional athlete," Nold said. "She's quick and has really come in and competed with the upperclassmen.
"Karis is another great athlete that not only can pass, but can also hit from back row," Nold said. "She'll be able to give us more of a mix and will free up our other hitters a lot."
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.
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