After a huge victory against Georgia, Auburn volleyball is looking ahead to its next opponents: No. 9 Florida and South Carolina.
The Tigers’ latest record is 2-2 in conference play, after a massive 3-1 win over Georgia and 12-3 overall. They are hoping to start a winning streak as they go on the road to Florida and South Carolina.
South Carolina and Florida faced off on Oct. 1 in Columbia, South Carolina. The game ended 3-1, favoring the Gators. Florida took the first two sets, scoring 25-19 both times. The Gamecocks returned for the third set with a 25-23 win; however, the Gators closed it out with a 25-20 win in the fourth.
After this win, the Gators' record is very similar to the Tigers, 11-2 overall and 3-1 in conference play. The Gators seemed to be hitting better than ever this season, with a .347 hitting percentage, which is the third-best hitting percentage in the nation.
Although the Gators came out on top, there are some things that Auburn should watch for before playing South Carolina. The Gamecocks had some big advantages during this game. They entered gameplay with a 3-0 record in SEC play and ended up coming out on top in kills and digs.
Auburn’s defense will have to be in tip top shape on Friday, Oct. 6 when it takes on Florida. The Gators have been putting up big points with kills and blocks. The Tigers will need to be aware of Kennedy Martin, who put up a 15-kill effort against South Carolina. Some others to watch for would include AC Fitzpatrick and Sofia Victoria, who both put up 13 kills. Defense will be a key factor in a potential win against No. 9 Florida.
Auburn’s game against South Carolina will take place in Columbia on Sunday, Oct. 8. In order for the Tigers to overcome the Gamecocks, Auburn will have to outlast the pressure South Carolina applies. In its recent game against Florida, a record-breaking number of fans were in attendance, giving the Gamecocks the ability to rally with their opponent. With Auburn entering their home court, they will have to be prepared to feel the pressure of the Gamecocks.
Auburn should look out for Lauren McCutcheon, freshman Campbell Paris and Riley Whitesides. McCutcheon led the way the entire game with an all-around effort on both offense and defense. Paris put up four kills in one set, helping the Gamecocks on a 15-point run. Riley Whitesides surpassed 90 kills on Sunday, making her the seventh woman since 2001 to do this.
Auburn will face Florida first on Oct. 6 in Gainesville at 6 p.m. CST. The Tigers will then travel to Columbia, South Carolina, to take on the Gamecocks. This game will be broadcasted on ESPNU at 3 p.m. CST.
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Madelyn Marsh is a freshman from Castroville, Texas, who is majoring in journalism. She joined The Plainsman in fall 2023.
