The Auburn men's club volleyball team had their first tournament just a few weeks back on October 6th. The team traveled over to Tuscaloosa to battle an array of teams ranging from independents club teams to even schools as far as Florida State University.
Auburn flew through pool play sweeping Georgia Tech (25-23, 26-24), UAB (25-12, 25-15) and Clemson 25-23, 25-23. The team was eliminated in the second round of bracket play losing to South Carolina in three sets (23-25, 25-12, 13-15).
The team has had two week since the Tuscaloosa tournament to prepare for their next tournament coming up this Saturday, October 20th at Georgia Tech. During their weekly practice WEGL sports writer and member of the Auburn men's club volleyball team, Herbert Veldenz, was able to sit down and interview team captain Michael Edmonson.
What worked and did not work for the team at the Tuscaloosa tournament?
“We had really good connections and relationships between our setter and hitters at our last tournament but we did not serve and receive well.”
Which teams are you looking our for in the Tuscaloosa Tournament?
“We always have to look out for Georgia Tech and UGA at pretty much every tournament we go to. They are both solid teams and the games between them always come down to the wire.”
Looking at the roster, who is a player to watch out for on the Auburn team?
“CJ Gittleson (middle block), though he is often late to put up a block, he’s getting better. As long as our team can give good passes, he’s a threat from everywhere. He has such a high vertical that it is hard to block.
What are the keys to success for Auburn this Saturday?
“Our key to success is going to be passing and serve receive. If we can get good passes to our setter, we have the talent in hitters to beat any team we would face.”
After the tournament this Saturday, Auburn has their first home tournament of the year at the Auburn Rec and Wellness center on October 27.
If you know a club sport that you like to be covered in this weekly column and are available for interviews and have open practices, please email WEGL Sports Director Jared Dillard at jareddillard@auburn.edu
