Nov. 23, 2016
AUBURN, Ala. ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃƒÆ'¢'¬" Juniors Jesse Earl and Alexa Filley and freshman Gwyn Jones of the Auburn volleyball team were honored by the Southeastern Conference Wednesday as the league office announced its annual volleyball awards. Earl and Filley were placed on the All-SEC team, while Jones earned a spot on the SEC All-Freshman team honors.
"All three of these players have had a huge impact on our team this year and we wouldn't be in the position we are without them," head coach Rick Nold said. "Alexa and Jesse have been our leaders all year and very deserving of the All-SEC recognition. Gwyn has played like a veteran from day one and we are so excited about her future here."
Earl, a libero from Indianapolis, has had an outstanding season for the Tigers. She's been one of the conference leaders in digs/set all season and is currently averaging 4.82 in SEC play. Earl has recorded double-digit digs in all but one conference match this season, including eight 20+ dig matches.
In addition, Earl has been very successful from the service line and has 23 service aces against league foes. Her total is tied for second-most in the conference, while her .35 aces/set average ranks fourth. She has also contributed to the Tiger offense this season, dishing 104 assists for a 1.60 average.
Filley, a setter from Louisville, has been very successful at pacing the Auburn offense against the league, averaging 10.11 assists/set. She's recorded 40 or more assists in 10 SEC matches this year with a pair of 50+ performances.
Aside from being successful at setter, Filley has also played a major role in both defense and hitting. Her 2.86 digs/set average vs. the SEC is second on the team and she's also averaging 1.31 kills/set. Filley's 10 double-doubles (digs/assists) is second-most against conference opponents and that total includes a pair of triple-doubles (digs/assists/kills).
Earl's and Filley's All-SEC selections mark the first time an Auburn student-athlete was recognized since Camila Jersonsky was placed on the team in 2013.
Jones, a Greenville, Ind., product has been a go-to for Filley and the Auburn offense all season. The 6-3 hitter has produced double-digit kills in all but one SEC match this season. She set a career high of 16 at Arkansas (Oct. 23) and followed with another 16-kill performance at nationally-ranked Missouri (Nov. 18). Her 3.05 kills/set average is second on the team vs. the conference.
Jones is the fourth Tiger to be placed on the SEC All-Freshman team. Current teammate Brenna McIlroy earned the honor last season, while Sarah Bullock was named to the rookie team in 2009 and Jersonsky was placed on the squad in 2010.
Auburn closes out the 2016 season with two matches next week. The Tigers take on No. 9 Florida Wednesday in Gainesville at 7 p.m. CT. The squad returns to Auburn Arena for one last time this year Saturday, Nov. 26, with a 12:30 p.m. CT match against Texas A&M. The team will honor its seniors prior to the contest.
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