Auburn is looking to close out the regular season strong with its final matchup against the LSU Tigers as it heads into the SEC Tournament. With postseason play approaching, Friday’s match offers Auburn a chance to regain momentum and reinforce the identity it has built throughout the year.
The Tigers’ last two opponents have been difficult tests, with both ranked in the top 10 nationally. Auburn came out of those matchups 0-2, a stretch that exposed areas in need of tightening but also showed flashes of high-level play. As the team prepares for the postseason, finishing above .500 in conference play remains an important target — and an attainable one if it can steady itself in the final week.
“We just have to learn how to trust ourselves that our good is good enough,” head coach Brent Crouch said after the Texas A&M loss. “And that we don’t need to do anything extra, where we might end up making some mistakes.”
One of Auburn’s defining strengths this season has been its presence at the net. The blocking core of Kate Mansfield and Grace Havlicek has proven disruptive match after match, forcing opposing hitters to adjust their angles and shot selection. Mansfield, in particular, has emerged as a consistent matchup problem for opponents with her timing and length.
Behind them, libero Alexis Dacosta continues to anchor the back row with poise. She recently eclipsed 1,000 career digs — an impressive milestone that speaks not only to her durability but also to her consistency and reading of the game. Her ability to stabilize the defense allows Auburn’s blockers to take calculated risks knowing there is reliable coverage behind them.
“Welcome to SEC volleyball,” Crouch said. “There’s really good teams here.”
LSU (12-13, 5-9 SEC), despite its record, fits squarely into that category. Head coach Tonya Johnson has assembled a roster with strong offensive talent, and the Tigers have been competitive in several tight matches this season. Auburn cannot overlook LSU, especially given the history between the two programs.
LSU’s most dangerous offensive weapon is outside hitter Jurnee Robinson, who leads the team with 4.86 kills per set — a mark that places her eighth nationally. Auburn will attempt to limit her production by controlling the block and funneling attacks toward its back-row defenders. Mansfield will likely draw significant responsibility in slowing Robinson at the net, an important matchup that could shape the rhythm of the match.
Auburn’s offense will counter with Lauren Dreves, who is averaging a career-best 3.78 kills per set on a .271 hitting percentage. Dreves is one of Auburn’s most versatile players, contributing on both sides of the ball with 0.67 blocks per set. Her biggest challenge Friday may be navigating the defense of LSU middle blocker Sanaa Donaie, who averages 1.31 blocks per set and poses a significant presence for Auburn’s hitters.
What may give Auburn pause is the series history. LSU leads the all-time matchup 49-16, a lopsided record that reflects how difficult the Bayou Bengals have been for Auburn over the years. Even so, Auburn appears better positioned this season than in many past meetings, with improved depth, solid chemistry and a year of experience in Crouch’s system.
Auburn will face the Bayou Bengals on Friday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m. CST. The match will be broadcast on SECN+.
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