Auburn volleyball (7-1) will travel to Birmingham, AL to play in the Alabama Showdown against Samford (5-2), UAB (5-3) and South Alabama (2-5) at Bartow Arena Thursday, Sept. 19 through Saturday, Sept. 21.
Previously, the Tigers hit the road to compete in the Diet Coke Classic where they faced the Minnesota Gophers and Long Island Sharks. Despite Minnesota snapping the Tigers’ undefeated streak Friday, Auburn bounced back to sweep LIU.
Opponents should be on the lookout for outside hitter Madison Scheer as she has scored a total of 91 kills, leading the way this season for the Tigers offensively. Setter Kalei Edson currently leads the team with 11 aces. While outside hitter Lauren Dreves has 108 total digs.
The Alabama Showdown will be the last non-conference series for the Tigers this season before opening up SEC play.
Auburn Volleyball player Bel Zimmerman, #12, hits a kill against Florida State on September 8, 2024.
Sitting at a record of 5-2, the Samford Bulldogs will head into the Alabama Showdown after just competing in the Baylor Invitational. Having their first loss of the season to LSU followed by another loss to Baylor, the Bulldogs will be looking to rebound this week.
Recently leading the front line, outside hitter Kaleigh Merritt had a combined total of 28 kills in her last two games. The red-shirt sophomore will be looking to make a lasting impact against Auburn, UAB and South Alabama.
Altogether, the Bulldogs have racked up 363 kills this season offensively. Another key player for the Bulldogs is defensive specialist/libero Kate Morgan who has 93 digs.
UAB will be hosting the Alabama showdown this year, currently sitting at a winning record of 5-3. The Blazers have the home court advantage this year and will be planning to make the most of it.
Recently traveling to Florence, Alabama, the Blazers went 2-1 against Jacksonville State, North Alabama and Arkansas State.
Three separate Blazer players went into the double-digits in kills against Jacksonville State. Right-side hitter Jorda Cook and outside hitter Mia Reese had 16 kills while outside hitter Kelsey Smith had 12.
Smith had her seventh triple double of the season, proving to be a weapon for the Blazers. Defensively, libero Brooklyn Allison has 110 digs this season, continually testing opponents.
South Alabama will be making a trip up to Birmingham, hoping to add a win to their 2-5 record. The Jaguars have played all three teams prior, and hold the recent win from both UAB and Samford in 2023.
This season, outside hitter/right side Abryanna Cannon should be on each opponent’s watch list, as she is currently the point leader for the Jaguars while also having 69 kills. Defensively, libero Briana Wilson has helped the Jaguars with 74 digs. Setter Anna Loberg has 10 aces, leading the team.
Between all four teams, the matchups in Birmingham will be competitive.
Starting on Thursday, Sept. 19, the Tigers will play Samford 4 p.m. CST. Then, they will take on UAB on Friday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. CST before playing South Alabama on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 2 p.m. CST.
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Ginny is a junior majoring in sports production. She joined the Plainsman in the fall of 2024.
