Auburn volleyball returns home after a three-game road stretch for a showdown with the LSU Tigers. Auburn looks to get back to its winning ways against LSU.
The Auburn Tigers started their three-game road stretch in Starkville, Miss., on Oct.13, defeating the Bulldogs 3-1. However, in the following two matches against Alabama and Tennessee, the Tigers dropped back-to-back matches for the first time this season.
The Volunteers handed the Auburn Tigers their third conference loss of the season in a 3-1 victory, dropping Auburn to fifth in the conference standings.
The LSU Tigers, however, have not left Baton Rouge since Oct. 6 and went 2-1 in a three-match home stretch, their most recent contest being a 3-0 loss to Florida.
Auburn and LSU last met on Nov. 19 in Auburn, with the Auburn Tigers winning 3-0. However, the history of the time series favors the LSU Tigers, who have a 48-16 advantage over Auburn.
Auburn has been impressive at home with a 9-1 record and will look to take advantage of LSU, which is not quite as traveled as Auburn, with a 2-2 record on the road.
Players to watch
Auburn: Bel Zimmerman
The junior outside hitter has been a breakout player for Auburn this season. With 198 kills so far this year, she has already surpassed her total from the entirety of the 2023-24 season.
Currently second on the team in kills behind standout outside hitter Madison Scheer, Zimmerman and Scheer have formed a lethal offensive attack for opposing teams this season.
With 14 kills against Tennessee and 15 against Alabama, Auburn must lean on Zimmerman's consistency to right the ship against LSU and snap their two-match losing streak.
LSU: Jurnee Robinson
Junree Robinson, a sophomore outside hitter, has been not only one of the best players in the conference but also one of the best in the nation. She currently leads her team with 293 kills this season after recording 391 the year prior.
Robinson’s impressive numbers have put her amongst the top players in the nation as just a sophomore, as she currently averages 4.73 kills per set, which is seventh best in the NCAA.
LSU must rely on its star player in its first road contest in nearly a month if it wants to win the showdown against the Tigers.
It's a crucial game for both schools looking to right the ship as conference play marches on. The Auburn Tigers (14-4, 4-3) will take on the LSU Tigers (11-7, 3-4) in Neville Arena on Friday, Oct. 25. The match starts at 6:30 p.m. CST and will be broadcast on SEC Network+.
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.
Craig Noyes is a senior from Kensington, Maryland, majoring in journalism. He joined The Plainsman in January 2023.
You can follow him on X (Twitter) at @CraigNoyes58
