Aug. 18, 2017
AUBURN, Ala. ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃƒÆ'¢'¬" The setter is what some like to call the "quarterback" of a volleyball team and the 2017 Auburn squad has a pair of setters ready to lead the team to success this year.
Looking to make a statement in her final season on the Plains is Alexa Filley. The 5-9 senior from Louisville has been the team's No. 1 in the position since her first year and has guided the AU offense successfully throughout her career. She'll conclude her career as one of the top setters in program history.
"Alexa has had a tremendous career but I expect this season to be her best," head coach Rick Nold said. "She has really developed as a leader which I think will benefit our team and she has expanded her game to attack teams in a larger variety of ways."
As a junior, Filley earned All-SEC recognition in 2016 in addition to a second-straight AVCA All-South Region honorable mention nod. She broke her own assists record (rally scoring only) with 1,227, while also having a successful season defensively. Filley became just the second setter in program history to reach 1,000+ career digs as she finish second on the team in digs (367).
In addition, Filley has become a threat at the net as she totaled three triple-doubles last year. Her first came against Colgate (9/17) when she totaled a career-high 11 kills and 25 digs to go with 44 assists. Filley's two other triple-doubles were both against Ole Miss ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃƒÆ'¢'¬" 10k, 45a, 18d (10/19), 10k, 42a, 10d (11/6).
Serving in a back-up role this year is freshman Morgan Kull. The St. Charles, Ill., product brings a tremendous work ethic and confidence to the court and will be a valuable member to the team in many aspects of the sport this year.
"I've been really impressed with Morgan during camp this summer and now during preseason," Nold said. "She has a great work ethic and, like Alexa, can affect the game with both her defense and serving. "
Fans can get a first glimpse of the team Saturday, Aug. 19, as Auburn hosts UAB in an exhibition match. The Tigers and the Blazers face off at 1:30 p.m. CT in Auburn Arena and admission is free.
The Tigers open the 2017 season in Atlanta, traveling to Georgia Tech's Hyatt Regency Invitational, Aug. 25-26. Auburn opens with a match vs. the Yellow Jackets Friday and follows with tilts against No. 17 Michigan State and Furman Saturday.