Auburn looks to once again even its SEC record with wins against Georgia on Thursday and Friday in Athens, Georgia.
After splitting a series against Missouri last weekend, Auburn is still chasing an even SEC record. With a current overall record of 11-7 and an SEC record of 3-5, this season has already been a turnaround from the last place result in the SEC in the previous season.
The Tigers lead the SEC in opponent hitting percentage (.141) and in digs per set (16.67). The block is also huge for the Tigers, ranking second in the SEC in blocks per set (2.75).
Georgia is looking to change its season narrative with wins against Auburn. It currently has a 1-5 SEC record and an overall record of 5-12. Georgia’s biggest weapon so far this season has been at the service line, averaging 1.41 aces per set.
Looking ahead to the upcoming matches, here are some of the players to watch out for.
Auburn:
Elif Yavuz: The senior middle blocker from Turkey is recently showing up as another potential weapon on the front row for the Tigers. She hit over .300 in each match against Missouri as well as contributing four blocks. If she continues to emerge as another threat as a hitter, she could be a huge asset for the Tigers.
Liz Reich: The graduate student from Portland also showed up as an offensive weapon against Missouri. The right-side hitter had a hitting percentage of .250 in the first match and .258 in the second match. As another emerging option on the front row, Reich needs to be hitting efficiently and take advantage of her attempts when facing Georgia.
Georgia:
Amber Stivrins: The junior outside hitter has been Georgia’s biggest threat at the service line, ranking third in the SEC with an average of 0.42 aces per set. Stivrins is also a big offensive weapon for the Bulldogs with a team-high 194 kills.
Clara Brower: Just a freshman, Brower has already been making waves as a Bulldog. The setter is ranked eighth in the SEC in assists per set (8.17) and is also a threat at the service line with a SEC ninth-best 0.32 aces per set. She will be key in setting up the Georgia offensive attack against the Tigers.
Key Points:
Auburn’s strong defense, headed by middle blocker Tatum Shipes and libero Bella Rosenthall, will need to continue to show up for the Tigers.
Even though Auburn split with Missouri, it still showed a more diverse offensive attack instead of one centered on the outside. The new balance will also need to be effective, but this may be a good chance to practice that new diversity as Georgia ranks 12th in the SEC in opponent hitting percentage (.232).
Georgia needs to be prepared for a more balanced offensive plan from Auburn, even if the stats are telling a different story. The offense will still be built around the outside and Rebekah Rath, but there will be more attacks from the middle and the right side.
The Bulldogs need to start out strong on offense as well. With how efficient the Auburn defense is, Georgia has to find ways for balls to hit the floor and get through the block. Georgia also needs to utilize one of its biggest weapons: service aces. The Bulldogs have been strong at the service line and they need to get Auburn out of system with good serve placement.
The Tigers will face the Bulldogs Thursday, Oct. 21, and Friday, Oct. 22. The matches will start at 6 p.m. CST on both days. The matches will be available to watch on SEC Network-plus.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
Emily Porch is a senior majoring in Sports Production from Sylacauga, Alabama. She joined The Plainsman in fall 2021.
You can follow her on X (Twitter) at @emilycporch
