AUBURN, Ala. - Coming in hot off of a 3-0 sweep of LSU, Auburn volleyball welcomed in their rivals, the Alabama Crimson Tide, to Neville Arena for the second meeting of the season between the two. In dominating fashion, Auburn would not only sweep Alabama in the season series, the Tigers would also defeat the Crimson Tide in straight sets.
Along with the satisfying rivalry sweep, the game included numerous milestones for head coach Brent Crouch and his squad. The win over Alabama marked Auburn’s 20th win of the season and Crouch’s 150th career victory as a head coach. The 2023 Auburn Volleyball team has now made history as only the third team in program history to reach 20 wins in the rally scoring era.
“It’s important to show that we have been consistent throughout the year,” said Senior setter Jackie Barrett. “We’ve really been pushing to get wins.”
Barrett is one of only two seniors on the team, and the only senior to have spent all four years on the plains. Barrett has since witnessed a complete 180 in the success of the program. Just three years ago the Tigers failed to win a single match in the 2021 Covid shortened season, and now they have recorded two 20-win seasons in a row.
Barrett also shined in tonight’s match, dishing out 36 assists to Auburn hitters that had their swings working all night.
“It’s awesome to know that I have hitters that are going to terminate the ball,” said Barrett. “It’s been really awesome this year being able to distribute the ball and get all my attackers involved.”
The attack was once again highlighted by the incredible Sophomore duo of Akasha Anderson and Madison Scheer. The two combined for 27 of the Tigers 42 kills, and hit for .233 and .333 respectively.
It was another milestone on the defensive side as well, this time for Sophomore middle blocker Kendal Kemp. Kemp put in two quick blocks in the first set to record her 300th block of her career. Kemp now ranks fifth in the SEC in blocks per set, with 1.27.
As the season comes to a close, the Tigers are faced with a challenge in their final regular season match. The ninth ranked Arkansas Razorbacks will come into Neville Arena Friday night looking to play spoiler on senior night.
“It’s an awesome opportunity for us,” said Barrett. “It’s going to be awesome to see what the competition is like and how we will just play as a team and play together.”
The big time matchup between the Tigers and the Razorbacks is set for Friday afternoon in Neville Arena. First serve will be at 3 p.m. CT and will be broadcast live on SECN+ and WEGL 91.1 FM.
