AUBURN, Ala. – The Auburn volleyball team kicks off the 2018 season at home, hosting High Point and Michigan in the annual War Eagle Invitational. The two-day tournament is slated for Aug. 24-25 and will be held in Auburn Arena. Admission is free.
"Both teams bring a lot of talent and experience to Auburn this weekend," head coach Rick Nold said. "Every match is going to be a battle because we all know this could be an important weekend that could have implications later in the season. Both these teams will challenge our young squad in different ways and we're excited open the season at home."
The Tigers open with a 6:30 p.m. CT match against High Point Friday. Saturday starts with an 11 a.m. CT contest between HPU and Michigan before the Tigers and the Wolverines go head-to-head at 7 p.m. CT.
QUICK HITS
- The Tiger roster features two seniors, four juniors, five sophomores and six freshmen.
- Auburn's 2018 schedule boasts 10 2017 NCAA Tournament participants.
- Head Coach Rick Nold stands at 108-101 in his eighth season on the Plains.
- Auburn returns five of seven starters from the 2017 season.
- Senior Brenna McIlroy needs just 24 kills and 174 digs for 1,000 in each category for her career. She'll become the seventh Tiger to achieve both milestones while on the Plains.
- Junior middle blocker Shaina White returns after a great first season at Auburn in 2017. She finished among the league's best in hitting percentage, while earning AVCA All-South Region honorable mention.
- The 2018 Auburn volleyball incoming class is ranked the seventh-best freshman class in the nation.
- Auburn was picked sixth in the SEC Preseason Coaches' poll.
SCOUTING HIGH POINT
- The High Point Panthers are coming off an outstanding season in 2017. The Purple & White went 24-8 overall and 16-0 in Big South play, winning the conference regular season title.
- The Panthers were an at-large bid to the 2017 NCAA Tournament and fell to Purdue in the opening round.
- HPU is under first-year head coach Ryan Meek.
- The Panther roster boasts six seniors, including AVCA All-Southeast Region honoree Molly Livingston. She is a two-time All-Big South First Team selection and has been one of the team's best both offensively and defensively.
- Sophomore defensive specialist Abby Bottomley was named the 2017 Big South Freshman of the Year and placed on the All-Big South First Team.
SCOUTING MICHIGAN
- The Michigan Wolverines make their first trip to the Plains after a solid 2017 season. Under the direction of 20-year head coach Mark Rosen, the Wolverines finished last season at 21-12 overall and earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament.
- Michigan is currently receiving votes in the AVCA Top 25 Preseason Poll.
- The Wolverines were chosen to finish sixth in the Big Ten Preseason Coaches' poll.
- Senior Carly Skjodt was named to the preseason All-Big Ten team and was one of seven unanimous selections. The outside hitter was an AVCA All-America third team honoree last season.
UP NEXT
Auburn hits the road for the first time for the Butler Invitational, Aug. 31-Sept. 1, in Indianapolis. The Tigers face host