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A spirit that is not afraid

SEC announces start dates and format for remaining fall sports

M.E. Craven (22) kicks the ball during Syracuse vs. Auburn Soccer on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2019, in Auburn, Ala.
M.E. Craven (22) kicks the ball during Syracuse vs. Auburn Soccer on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2019, in Auburn, Ala.

The SEC announced Thursday its start dates and formats for the remaining fall sports. Auburn soccer, volleyball, cross country and fall golf and tennis now know how their seasons will be held. 

The 2020 SEC soccer will consist of eight conference-only games over eight weeks starting on Sept. 18. This year's SEC Championship will be held from November 13-22 in Orange Beach, Alabama. 

"We're excited to be able to have a fall schedule," head coach Karen Hoppa said. "Our players have been working extremely hard both on and off the field, especially during these uncertain and trying times, and they're thrilled about the opportunity to play meaningful games this fall. 

All 14 teams will compete in this year's SEC Championship, and each team will be guaranteed at least two games. 

Head coach Hoppa is looking forward to only playing once a week to ensure student-athletes can be appropriately tested. 

"We're also very proud of the SEC for putting the health and safety of our student-athletes at the forefront," Hoppa said. "Playing one game a week allows for the appropriate testing and additional measures to take place so we compete while continuing to place an emphasis on everyone's wellbeing."

While SEC soccer kicks off on Sept. 18, Auburn volleyball and the rest of the SEC will have to wait until Oct. 16 to start the volleyball season. 

The 2020 SEC volleyball season will be eight conference-only matches held over six weeks. Each school will compete against four opponents twice in the same weekend on back-to-back days. 

"We are pleased that the SEC has been able to provide opportunities to compete this fall semester," head coach Brent Crouch said. "Our student-athletes have been working hard and are eager to display the fruits of their labor against some of the best programs in the country."

Regarding the NCAA's decision to hold fall sports championships in the spring, the SEC will have soccer and volleyball teams compete in spring championships. 

Lastly, SEC cross country competition will consist of a minimum of two and a maximum of three meets before the SEC Championship is held on Oct. 30. 

The cross country season will take place between Sept. 11 and must end on Oct. 23. Teams can compete against non-conference opponents, but those schools must meet the SEC's COVID-19 testing protocols. 

CROSS COUNTRY

  • Season runs September 11-October 23
  • Seven (7) weeks of competition
  • Compete in a minimum two (2) events (maximum of three) prior to SEC Championships
  • No restrictions on opponents; must adhere to SEC Testing protocol the week leading into competition
  • No more than 10 teams may compete in a single race
  • Schools may not compete in consecutive weeks

SOCCER

  • Season runs weekend of September 18-November 8 (eight total weeks)
  • Eight (8) regular season matches plus at least two (2) matches at the SEC Tournament
  • Regular season includes six (6) divisional opponents and two (2) crossover opponents (4 home/4 away)
  • One (1) match per week - play dates will be either Friday, Saturday or Sunday based on campus activities & television.
  • Matches may move to Thursday on the fifth weekend of the season for make-up dates.
  • 14-team Conference Tournament - Nov. 13-22; each team guaranteed at least two (2) matches

VOLLEYBALL

  • Season runs weekend of October 16-November 27
  • Six (6) weeks of competition
  • Compete against four (4) opponents; same opponent twice in the same weekend
  • Eight (8) total matches
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GOLF AND TENNIS

  • Teams may compete in up to three team events
  • Competition can take place no earlier than Oct. 1
  • Teams are limited to events involving only SEC members or non-conference teams from the school's geographic region

Jake Weese | Sports Editor

Jake Weese, senior in journalism with a minor in history, is The Plainsman's sports editor.

@TheJakeWeese

Sports@theplainsman.comĀ 


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