Auburn is set to conclude its final homestand, taking on No. 8 Kentucky on Saturday and Sunday. The Tigers look to bounce back from a loss against No. 20 Florida and finish out the season on a high note. Despite the loss, senior Tatum Shipes broke the single-season record for block assists with 110.
The Tigers currently have a conference record of 5-10 and look to close out the final stretch of their season strong heading into the weekend by securing an upset over The No. 8 Wildcats.
Kentucky Analysis
The Wildcats have proven to be one of the best offensive teams in the country, ranks near the top of the conference in kills, assists and leads it in hitting percentage. Coming in ranked No. 8, The Wildcats have proven to be one of the nation’s elite teams. Kentucky swept Texas A&M in this past weekend’s series of matches. Multiple players were especially impactful and will likely be X-factors in this weekend’s match-up.
Setter Emma Grome has been a vital part of this Kentucky offense. She tallied 64 total assists in the Wildcat’s series against the Aggies and was named SEC Setter of the Week, marking the third-straight time she has received this honor. Grome currently leads all freshmen in assists averaging 11.37 per set and ranks sixth nationally.
Libero Eleanor Beavin earned the Freshman of the Week Award following a career showing against Texas A&M, recording five aces and 12 digs in the first set of matches. Beavin’s efforts also helped the Wildcats hold Aggies to a negative hitting percentage in the ensuing match. Beavin has recorded double-digit digs in 12 of 13 conference matches.
Match Keys:
The Tigers fell behind early to Florida due to service and attack errors. Auburn curbed these errors in the final set of the match and kept it competitive. Limiting errors gives the Tigers a chance to settle on defense and an opportunity for victory. Auburn has shown out defensively this season and their showing versus a productive Wildcat offense will have to remain strong. Ranking towards the top of the conference in total defense the Tigers have the defensive capabilities to limit Kentucky on the offensive end.
The Tigers will face Kentucky on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 20 and Nov. 21. Saturday’s match will begin at 4:30 p.m. CST. Sunday’s match will start a 1 p.m. CST. Both matches will be broadcast on SEC Network-plus.
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