The Auburn volleyball team (9-7, 1-2 SEC) snapped its SEC losing streak with a 3-1 (25-18, 25-16, 23-25, 25-11) win over Georgia Wednesday night at Auburn Arena.
"We wanted to win our first SEC game, and I think we were ready to go," Breanna Barksdale said. "We wanted to get that first win of the conference."
Freshman Courtney Crable finished with a match-high 11 kills and tied her career-best with four service aces, freshman Macy Reese had 10 kills, sophomore Emily Klitzke had nine and sophomore Breanna Barksdale had eight with eight blocks. Sophomore Stephanie Campbell contributed seven kills and a service ace, while freshman Alexa Filley finished the match with her eighth double-double of the season. Kelly Stewart recorded a season-best 19 digs.
Head coach Rick Nold said the Tigers' strategy was a simplified the game plan that allowed the players to just play.
"I thought they did a good job with reacting to situations and going up and being aggressive with their block," Nold said.
It was back and forth in the first set, but a strong rally from the Tigers after three aces won it for Auburn.
The Tigers dominated the second set with 13 kills and hit .233. Campbell posted four kills, while Crable delivered four aces against the Bulldogs.
The Tigers energy levels were up and down, according to freshman Courtney Crable.
"I think it was definitely our talking to each other and our energy," Crable said.
The third set was another close one, but did not end like the first frame. Georgia took advantage of Auburn, who lost its rhythm, and won the set (25-23).
The Tigers did not stay down after dropping the third set. They got back up and hit a match-best .375 with 14 kills in the fourth set to close it out. Klitzke led the way with six of her nine kills in the frame.
Auburn will face the South Carolina Gamecocks Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at Auburn Arena.
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