Coming off a tough loss against Alabama, the 14-3 Tigers are looking to avoid another loss in SEC competition against 9-7 Tennessee. Both teams are coming off losses to SEC teams as the Volunteers lost to the Wildcats 3-1.
Expect an aggressive contest right out the gate, as both teams are top five in the SEC in hitting percentage. The Volunteers also rank second in SEC competition in kills, while Auburn is seventh. Both teams are coming off losses, so expect this match to start off fast and offensive-driven.
Tennessee also ranks in the top five in the SEC in service aces per set with 1.68. Tennessee is going to come out ready after two losses in SEC competition, so expect the Volunteers to serve with aggression to start out the contest.
As the game progresses, however, the Tigers should be able to limit the Volunteers offensively, as the Tigers rank first in the SEC in blocks per set with 2.77. Similar to last year, Auburn gets a ton of blocks and can limit aggression throughout a contest. Getting blocks in this contest will be crucial to limit the Volunteers from gaining any momentum throughout. One block can be all it takes to completely change a set.
The Tigers also ranked second in the SEC in digs per set with 17.17. Though this match will get off to a fast and aggressive start, look to see the Tigers minimize the aggression after the first set by getting many digs and blocks.
Look to see a very clean game between both teams, as both commit few attack errors with the Volunteers only with 251 and the Tigers with 271 on the season.
The Volunteers have many players to watch for, especially on the offensive side. Keondreya Granberry is second in the SEC in hitting percentage at .485. Another player to look out for is Nina Cajic who is third in the SEC in kills per set with 4.48. She is also fourth in service aces so she is a weapon offensively for the Volunteers. Caroline Kerr has also had a great season so far for Tennessee where she is ranked fourth in the SEC in assists per set with 10.54.
The Tigers need to control these players and their high-powered offense through their great defense. Emma Moore and Chelsey McCurdy, who rank fourth and sixth in blocks per set respectively with 1.3 and 1.22, will need to step up to limit the Volunteers from gaining any sort of momentum in this contest. Alexis Dacosta will need to continue helping defensively getting digs for the Tigers. She ranks sixth in the SEC in digs per set with 3.86.
This match will truly be a test for the Tigers because the Volunteers are much better than what their record shows and will come out ready to defend their home court.
No. 25 Auburn is looking to bounce back from the loss at Tuscaloosa, AL as the Tigers are back on the road against the Volunteers in Knoxville, TN. The contest begins at 1 p.m. CST and will be broadcast on SECN+.
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.
Tyler Cox is a sophomore from Atlanta majoring in journalism. He joined The Plainsman in fall 2023.
