Auburn Tigers Gear Up for SEC Showdown Against Mississippi State
In the vibrant city of Auburn, Alabama, excitement is in the air as the No. 25 Auburn Tigers prepare for their first SEC road match of the season. Under the guidance of head coach Brent Crouch, the team, boasting an impressive record of 13-2 and 3-1 in the SEC, will be heading to Starkville to take on Mississippi State. Fans can catch all the action live on the SEC Network.
Auburn’s Historic Season So Far
What a season it has been for the Tigers! They have recently made headlines by debuting at No. 14 in the first RPI ranking of 2024, which is a historic achievement for the program. Not only is this their highest mark ever, but they also continue to appear in the AVCA/Taraflex Coaches Poll at No. 25. Last season was a remarkable journey for the Tigers; they broke into the top 25 for the first time in school history and stayed there for an impressive ten weeks.
Auburn’s defensive prowess has been a game-changer in the Southeastern Conference. They are currently leading the conference in blocks per set (2.90), digs per set (17.59), and opponent hitting percentage (.165). This dominance places them among the top 10 programs in the nation in these crucial defensive categories, making them a formidable opponent on the court.
Standout Performers
The team has featured some standout performances, especially from freshmen Lauren Dreves and Alexis Dacosta, who have been lighting up the stats sheet. Dreves averages an impressive 3.58 digs per set, while Dacosta leads with 3.82 digs per set, both ranking within the top 10 in the SEC. Dacosta has been particularly consistent, racking up double digits in digs in 12 matches this season, including a remarkable seven in a row.
In the team’s recent match against Texas A&M, Dreves notched her fifth double-double of the season with 10 kills and 13 digs. Her performance is a testament to her growth in her rookie year, as she now ties with redshirt-junior setter Peyton Dunn for the team lead in double-doubles.
Moreover, junior Bel Zimmerman reached a personal milestone with her 500th career kill, while veteran Chelsey McCurdy achieved her 200th career block. Auburn’s strong service line was also on full display, totaling 11 service aces against Texas A&M, six of which came from the impressive Dreves.
Last Time Out
In their last match, Auburn faced a tough challenge against Texas A&M, falling 3-1. Despite the setback, the team showed great spirit and resilience. Dreves’ performance stood out, but the effort wasn’t enough to secure the victory.
Scouting Mississippi State
As Auburn prepares for this critical match-up, they will be going up against a Mississippi State squad that’s had its share of ups and downs this season. The Bulldogs currently hold a record of 7-6 and a conference record of 1-3. Before their recent loss to LSU, they enjoyed a six-match winning streak, showcasing their capability to compete at a high level.
One Mississippi State player to watch is freshman Mckenna Yates, who was recently named the SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week after averaging 5.00 digs per set. Another key player for the Bulldogs is Kailin Newsome, who has been a steady contributor with seven double-doubles this season and leads the team in kills and points per set.
The Competitive Series
The history between Auburn and Mississippi State is rich, with Auburn holding a 41-26 edge in the series that dates back to 1978. This match presents an exciting opportunity for Auburn as they look to improve their road record, currently standing at 15-16. With both teams eager to make their mark in the SEC, it’s bound to be an action-packed match!
