Since opting out of the 2021 Spring schedule, the Auburn Volleyball team is back on the hardwood for a full regular season Fall slate. Brent Crouch returns in his second season as head coach and will look to secure his first win at the helm this weekend in the War Eagle Invitational. The Tigers were scheduled to play The Citadel for their home opener before news as of Thursday morning scratched the Bulldogs out of the weekend’s competition. Tennessee Tech will now take their place for Auburn’s opening match at the same scheduled time.
Over the Summer, the Tigers welcomed six newcomers to their returning group including transfers Rebekah Rath and Liz Reich. Freshman standout Jordan Sinness out of Sebring, Florida has really impressed Coach Crouch in her first summer on the Plains.
“I like the depth in terms of people who can play multiple positions… Jordan Sinness can be running the offense right now” Brent Coach in his interview with Andy Burcham on Talking Tigers Podcast.
Key returners include Seniors Tatum Shipes who led the team in kills (59), digs (47), and blocks (16) in 2020 and Bella Rosenthal looking to join the 1000 Dig Club by seasons end. Coach Crouch had referenced moving Shipes and Val Green from the outside to the middle to allow for more flexibility with all the added talent.
“We’ve got a really good idea of what our players strengths and weaknesses and what we’re going to walk out there with this weekend”
With two games to kick off the season, the Tigers in the Saturday night cap will face the 2021 SWAC Champions Jackson State who we’re perfect in conference play last season. Returning Freshman standout Alexis Williams and four other Lady Tigers earned preseason distinctions and are set to play in the Auburn Arena at 7:30 p.m. CT with Jacob Hillman and Aidan Kowalski on the call.
Friday, Aug. 27 – Auburn will host Tennessee Tech at 7 p.m. CT in the Auburn Arena with Gavin Rankins and Aidan Kowalski on the call to open the season. The Golden Eagles return with a 9-7 conference record in 2020-21 with Junior middle blocker Taylor Dorsey who led the Ohio Valley Conference in blocks (70).
Catch every home game LIVE on WEGL 91.1 FM or streaming on weglfm.com with pregame coverage beginning 10 minutes before first serve!
