Auburn, Alabama – Countdown to Clutch Matchup Against Mississippi State
This Sunday, all eyes will be on Starkville, Mississippi, as the Auburn Tigers prepare to take on the Mississippi State Bulldogs. With their SEC match set for 2 p.m. CST, fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be an intense clash between two competitive teams. The Tigers, who faced a tough loss to the Texas A&M Aggies, are looking to bounce back and improve their conference record to 4-1. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs are determined to use their home turf to pull off an upset after their last encounter with Auburn.
Going Strong Despite Setbacks
Although Auburn stumbled last game, their offense certainly held strong. Star outside hitters Madison Scheer, Lauren Dreves, and Bel Zimmerman showcased their talent, each racking up impressive kill counts. In fact, in their recent match against the Aggies, Scheer registered 13 kills, marking the twelfth time this season she has hit double digits. Zimmerman and Dreves weren’t far behind, each contributing 10 kills to the scoreboard as well. It’s clear that when the ball finds its way to any of these impressive hitters, they’re more than capable of delivering.
A Solid Defense
On the defensive side, Alexis Dacosta has been shining as the team’s libero. She recorded 40 digs in the match against Texas A&M, bringing her season total to a staggering 191 digs. With her tireless work ethic, she has achieved double-digit digs in 11 matches this season. As the Tigers prepare to face Mississippi State, Dacosta’s contributions will be crucial in keeping the Bulldogs at bay.
History Repeats?
Historically, the matchup between Auburn and Mississippi State has been fiercely competitive. The last time they met, the Bulldogs edged out the Tigers, leaving them hungry for revenge this time around. Over their last ten matchups, Mississippi State holds a slight advantage, boasting a 6-4 record against Auburn. However, the Tigers are eyeing this opportunity to flip the narrative and regain their footing in the SEC standings.
Mississippi State’s Season
The Bulldogs, currently sitting with a 7-5 overall record and 1-2 in conference play, come into this match eager to improve their standing. They had a strong September, enjoying a six-game winning streak before hitting a snag against LSU. This contest against Auburn could be the perfect chance for Mississippi State to level up their conference record.
Mississippi State’s outside hitter, Kailin Newsome, has been a standout player for the Bulldogs. Leading her team with 148 kills, she’s also made her mark on the scoreboard with 165.5 points this season. Defensively, Newsome has tallied 134 digs, showcasing her influence on both ends of the court. Alongside her, hitters Karli Schmidt and Amina Shackelford have been vital contributors. Together, they have combined for 218 kills, pushing up the team’s total. Shackelford also stands out defensively, leading the Bulldogs with 41 blocks.
Preparation for an Exciting Match
As both teams gear up for the match, they bring with them impressive statistics. The Bulldogs have outperformed their opponents in several key areas, including kills (614), assists (589), digs (710), and blocks (115). This dominance highlights their capability as they enter this pivotal SEC matchup.
It’s clear that when it comes to SEC volleyball, every game is critical, and any upset can shake up the standings. With the intensity that both teams bring, fans can expect nothing less than exhilarating volleyball action.
