The Auburn Tigers (21-8, SEC: 10-8) were swept in six straight sets to close out the season against the Arkansas Razorbacks (20-8 SEC: 11-7), this past weekend in Neville Arena.
Game one played on November 25th, which saw the Razorbacks taking the first three sets 25-18, 25-10, and 25-23.
However, always the tenacious bunch the Razorbacks held a 24-17 lead in the third set in which the Tigers laughed in the way of adversity fighting their way back until eventually an attack error by Auburn’s Kendal Kemp ending the game for the Tigers.
Auburn overall just had a misstep on the road to making the NCAA tournament, finishing the day with six service errors and no service aces, and combining for a hitting percentage of .000.
Auburn’s Jackie Barrett was able to grab her 10th double-double of the season with 21 assists and 11 digs. Kendal Kemp also added to her single-season block record with eight now totaling 162 on the season.
The next match played on November 26th, would have been the Tigers Senior night, if Auburn had any seniors. The Razorbacks continued their sweep 25-21, 25-17, and 25-17.
The floor did see one Auburn senior however, Arkansas Tatum Shipes who transferred into Arkansas this year was one of many Razorback players with Senior experience something Auburn just does not have at the moment.
Auburn was unable to get the defensive game going only obtaining five blocks against the Razorbacks, and ending the night with a .066 hitting percentage.
Madison Scheer was your kill leader with nine, with Kendal Kemp having all five blocks against Arkansas.
Auburn ended the season with 21 wins tying the most since 2010, and with their 10 SEC victories being the most since 2015.
"I mean hats off to Arkansas, They're a really skilled team. I think their elite skill is just making good contact after good contact.” Auburn head coach Brent Crouch said, “we're excited to get to that level, And we're going to get there with this many freshmen.
"Losing three matches to end the season is obviously not ideal. I think we're a long shot to make it into the tournament at this point but you never know. The fact that we're playing meaningful matches at the end of the year means our season was extremely successful.” Crouch said.
Auburn must await their fate in the NCAA selection show Sunday November 27th, at 6:30 p.m. CT on ESPNU.
