June 28, 2018
AUBURN, Ala. – The Auburn volleyball team was selected to finish the Southeastern Conference schedule in sixth according to the 2018 Preseason Coaches' Poll.
"The depth within the SEC this year is the best I can remember," head coach Rick Nold said. "We feel like we have a good blend of returning experience and extremely talented newcomers. Our goal is to compete for a conference championship and we think this group can do that. We can't wait to get started!"
The Tiger squad will be a balanced group of experienced returners and fresh faces. Auburn returns five starters in senior Brenna McIlroy, juniors Karis Beasley, Gwyn Jones and Shaina White, and sophomore Anna Stevenson. In addition, the team adds six freshmen who make up the nation's No. 7 recruiting class.
Auburn earned 78 points from the league's 13 coaches. Kentucky edged Florida as the favorite to win the conference championship, securing eight first-place votes and 140 points. Florida had five votes and 137 points. Missouri was selected third, while Georgia and LSU finished in a tie for fourth. Arkansas, Texas A&M, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Alabama and Mississippi State round out the poll.
The Tigers kick off the 2018 season at home, hosting the War Eagle Invitational in Auburn Arena, Aug. 24-25. Auburn will welcome the Big Ten's Michigan as well as High Point to the Plains. Overall, the Tiger team will face 10 NCAA Tournament participants from 2017.
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