AUBURN, Ala. - The Auburn Tigers defeated the Cal Poly Mustangs in straight sets Thursday night behind an all-around performance on both sides of the court.
The newly-implemented 6-2 formation has proved to work wonders for coach Crouch’s team, allowing for the integration of two setters and more attacking options in the front row. Both setters enjoyed a tremendous night, as redshirt junior Peyton Dunn and freshman Kalei Edson ended the night with 15 assists each. Dunn added seven digs while Edson picked up two service aces to go along with her four digs.
“I’m just such a fan of having this many hitters out there,” head coach Brent Crouch said. “There are some weaknesses with a 6-2. I just think with our group, it just makes a lot of sense. We have people that can hit high balls on both sides and they can also hit fast balls on both sides. It’s just so hard for people to deal with.”
Auburn’s three-headed monster was on full display again in the front row, with juniors Madison Scheer and Bel Zimmerman, as well as graduate student Bella Bell totaling for 30 of the Tigers 37 kills. Scheer and Zimmerman both put up 11 kills and hit .400 and .579, respectively, percentages that will give the opposing teams issues night in and night out.
Another player who benefitted from the 6-2 was freshman standout Lauren Dreves. A known attacking presence, the six-rotation player had the best night of her career on the defensive side. An errorless night on serve-receive and a team-high 17 digs from Dreves was crucial in propelling the Tigers to the sweep.
It was another great night for Auburn middles, with graduate student Chelsey McCurdy and freshman Emma Moore rejecting seven mustang swings. The pair now both rank in the top 10 in the SEC in blocks.
The win gives the Tigers a 5-0 overall record, and a nearly flawless 15-1 set record. The road starts to get tough for Auburn however, as #15 Florida State awaits them on Sunday. Last time they matched up, it was Auburn getting the best of the Seminoles in four sets.
That contest between Auburn and Florida State is set for first serve at 12 p.m. CT on Sunday afternoon. WEGL 91.1 FM will have coverage starting at 11:45 from Neville Arena. Fans can also watch the action live on SECN+.
