Sept. 28, 2017
MATCHES
MATCH
| Friday, Sept. 29 | 7 p.m. CT | |
| Auburn vs. Missouri | ||
| Sunday, Oct. 1 | 1:30 p.m. CT | |
| Auburn vs. Arkansas | ||
AUBURN, Ala. --The Auburn volleyball team (9-2, 2-0 SEC) welcomes a pair of SEC opponents to Auburn Arena this weekend, hosting Missouri and Arkansas. The two Tiger teams square off Friday, Sept. 29, at 7 p.m. CT, while the Auburn's match vs. the Razorbacks is set for Sunday, Oct. 1, at 1:30 p.m. CT. Both matches will be broadcast on SEC Network+ (WatchESPN).
It's nice to be back home and we're anxious see a great crowd both days against two very good SEC teams," head coach Rick Nold said. "Both teams have very talented hitters and we'll be challenged defensively. It's a big weekend for our team and we're ready to play in front of our fans in these important matches."
QUICK HITS
- Auburn kicked off SEC action on the road, traveling to Ole Miss (Sept. 22) and Georgia (Sept. 24). The Tigers opened with a 3-1 win over Ole Miss and followed with a sweep of the Bulldogs.
- Senior libero Jesse Earl finished the weekend with a 6.29 digs/set average to lead all student-athletes in the league, having 26 digs vs. the Rebels and 18 against Georgia. She was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week for her efforts.
- Earl is averaging 4.90 digs/set to rank first in the conference and in the Top 50 nationally.
- Sophomore Shaina White had a solid weekend defensively at the net, finishing with 10 blocks and a 1.43 blocks/set average. That average ranks fifth in the SEC in league-only matches.
- White is second in the conference and ninth in the nation in hitting efficiency, having 107 kills on the year with a .452 attack percentage.
- Senior setter Alexa Filley is among the best in the SEC in assists so far this season, ranking fourth overall with a 10.82 assists/set average.
PROMOTIONS
Friday's match vs. Missouri is Movie Night in the Arena! Bring pillows, blankets, and seat cushions and stick around after the match for a showing of Despicable Me 3. Free popcorn will available while supplies last.
Sunday's match against the Razorbacks is the team's Dig Pink match. Fans are encouraged to wear pink and help bring awareness to breast cancer research.
Admission is free for all Auburn volleyball matches.
SCOUTING MISSOURI
- The Missouri Tigers are 8-7 overall with a 1-1 mark in SEC competition. Mizzou kicked off its conference slate with a four-set loss at home vs. nationally-ranked Kentucky (Sept. 20) before earning a 3-1 win at Texas A&M (Sept. 24).
- The Tigers were selected to finish third in the SEC according to the Preseason Coaches' Poll after finishing in a tie for first last year with Florida.
- Junior Alyssa Munlyn ranks second in the SEC and 16th nationally in blocks/set, having a 1.53 average. In conference play, Munlyn's 1.75 blocks/set average is tied for first.
- Her overall .349 hitting percentage also ranks among the Top 10 in the league.
- As a team, the Tigers are averaging 2.94 blocks/set overall to rank 14th nationally. The squad's 3.06 blocks/set in SEC competition is second among conference opponents.
- Redshirt senior Kira Larson has a team-high 125 kills on the season, while senior Sydney Deeken's 2.48 kills/set average leads the squad.
A WIN OVER MISSOURI WOULD...
- Be the first win over Missouri since they joined the SEC.
- Be Auburn's second win in the series
- Be Auburn's 10th win of the season and give the Tigers a 3-0 record in conference play.
SCOUTING ARKANSAS
- The Razorbacks will come to The Plains with an 11-4 overall record and a 1-2 mark in SEC competition.
- Arkansas opened league play with a sweep of Tennessee at home and then took then-No. 3 Florida to five sets before falling to the Gators in Fayetteville last Sunday. The Razorbacks recently dropped another five-set match, falling at Alabama Wednesday.
- Arkansas was picked to finish eighth in the SEC Preseason Coaches' Poll.
- Redshirt senior Pilar Victoria is leading the nation with a 6.25 kills/set average. The Caguas, Puerto Rico, product has a nation-best 331 kills on the season.
- Victoria is also third in the conference with eight double-doubles on the year.
- Sophomore setter Rachel Rippee has a league-best 11.79 assists/set average.
A WIN OVER ARKANSAS WOULD...
- Give Auburn its third-straight win over the Razorbacks.
UP NEXT
Auburn takes to the road next week starting with a Wednesday night match at Tennessee, Oct. 4, at 7 p.m. CT. The Tigers then head to No. 10 Kentucky Sunday, Oct. 8, for a 1 p.m. CT showdown. Auburn's match vs. the Vols will be aired on SEC Network, while the tilt with the Wildcats is slated to be broadcast on ESPNU.