AUBURN, Ala, -- The Auburn Tigers (4-0) welcome the Cal Poly Mustangs (2-1) to Neville Arena Thursday night for the second game of this week’s Plainsman Invitational.
The Tigers are perfect on this young season, but this Cal Poly team is no slouch. They took No. 19 Arkansas to four sets, and they were well within striking distance in two of the three they sets they lost. The Mustangs get it done on the defensive end, averaging 2.7 blocks per set, led by sophomore Tess Masingale with 13 through three games. Libero London Haberfield leads the team in digs with 42, recording an astounding 23 against Arkansas.
The Mustangs’ attack has not been overwhelming this season, but it has been efficient, recording a .280 hitting percentage. Senior Tommi Stockham leads the way for the with 46 kills.
The Tigers have been dominant thus far, sweeping their way through three of their four games. Similar to the Mustangs, it’s been Auburn’s defense leading them to wins early on. Opponents have recorded just a .145 hitting percentage. Baylor transfer Alexis Dacosta, one of many newcomers, leads the Tigers with 50 digs. Graduate Chelsey McCurdy and Freshman Emma Moore lead the team in blocks with 17 and 16 respectively.
On the attack, look for Madison Scheer and Bel Zimmerman to continue to make their presence known. They lead the team with 44 blocks apiece.
Freshman Lauren Dreves is someone to keep your eye on. Her versatility has been on display early. Her 27 kills are good for fourth on the team, and her 44 digs are second only to Dacosta. Her ability to play all over the floor is something rare and has made her a unique weapon for Coach Crouch’s team so far.
The Tigers take on the Mustangs Thursday, September 5 in Neville Arena. First serve is set for 6:00 p.m. Listen on WEGL 91.1 FM or watch on SEC Network +.
