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A spirit that is not afraid

Volleyball returns home for three-game stretch

Freshman Camila Jersonsky puts the ball past Kentucky defender Alexandra Morgan. (UK MEDIA RELATIONS)
Freshman Camila Jersonsky puts the ball past Kentucky defender Alexandra Morgan. (UK MEDIA RELATIONS)

The volleyball team (16-10) returns home to continue the quest for its first-ever NCAA tournament appearance.

The Tigers will take on South Carolina (5-18) Friday, followed by No. 1 Florida (20-1) Sunday at the Student Activities Center.

The Tigers last faced South Carolina in Columbia, S.C., Oct. 17, defeating the Gamecocks 3-0.

Senior middle blocker Lauren Mellor led the Tigers with seven blocks, while Alyssa Davis had six in the three-set win.

Sophomore outside hitter Sarah Bullock finished with 11 kills and three blocks while senior libero Liz Crouch had a team-high 16 digs.

Although the Tigers walked away with the win last time, Benson said this time it will be no guaranteed victory.

He said he believes the Gamecocks have gotten better and will most likely change their offense from a 6-2, with two setters, to a 5-1.

"I believe that they found out that working with one setter gives them a little more consistency," Benson said.

The Tigers will continue its homestand Sunday against the No. 1 Florida Gators.

The Tigers last faced the Gators Oct. 15 in Gainesville, Fla., where Auburn lost 3-0.

Benson said during that game he tried several different lineups and tried to give more people playing time.

Junior outside hitter Kelly Fidero led the Tigers with eight kills against the Gators while also recording seven digs.

Freshman setter Chelsea Wintzinger recorded 14 assists and 11 digs.

The Tigers were winless last weekend after 3-0 losses at No. 22 Tennessee (19-5) and Kentucky (13-11).

Benson said the weekend was disappointing, especially against Kentucky.

"In Lexington, we came out a little tentative in game one," Benson said. "In game two, we were in control, we were taking it to them, but we did not come through with the swings. We didn't put the ball away."

Bullock recorded 11 kills on the day, Fidero finished with six, and freshman outside hitter Kathia Rud had five and two blocks.

Defensively, Crouch had 10 digs and was backed by freshman outside hitter Vesela Zapryanova, who recorded nine digs.

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Kentucky senior middle blocker Lauren Rapp and junior middle blocker Becky Pavan each finished with 10 kills.

Auburn also suffered a 3-0 loss earlier that weekend in Knoxville, Tenn., against the nationally ranked Lady Volunteers.

"They played absolutely phenomenally well on all cylinders and are in my opinion the best team in the conference, even though they lost to Florida," Benson said.

Senior outside hitter Morgan Johns recorded 10 kills for the Tigers and finished the match with a .364 attack percentage.

Bullock tallied five kills and was followed by Rud with four.

Bullock and Rud also led the defensive effort, each finishing the game with seven digs.

Crouch finished the night with six digs.

The South Carolina game is set to start at 7:00 p.m., and the Florida game will start at 1 p.m.


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