Volleyball Preview: Auburn

Wednesday, September 29

Knoxville

8 PM

University of Tennessee

Auburn

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September 28, 2021 | Volleyball

Tennessee Notes Watch Live Stats Tickets Clear-Bag Policy Matchday Information

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The homestand continues for the 20th-ranked Lady Vol volleyball team as it plays host to Auburn Wednesday at Thompson-Boling Arena. First serve is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.

For fans planning to attend, note that Tennessee's clear-bag policy will be in effect again this season.

Though not required for entry to Thompson-Boling Arena or movement throughout the seating bowl, facial coverings are encouraged for arena patrons. For a full outline of match-day arena policies, click HERE.

BROADCAST INFO
The match can be seen on SEC Network or through the ESPN app. Sam Gore (play-by-play) and Jennifer Hoffman (color) will call the action. Live stats are provided and can be found by visiting the volleyball schedule page on UTsports.com.

LAST TIME OUT
UT opened SEC play last weekend by sweeping its two-match series against Arkansas. The Orange & White won the first match of the series in four sets and followed up with a straight-set victory in match No. 2.

BLOCKSVILLE
With Ava Bell and Danielle Mahaffey in the middle, the Lady Vols have made it tough on the opposition to generate offense in attack. The duo has led UT to an SEC-best 3.15 blocks per set – that mark is also the fourth-highest in the nation.

Individually, Mahaffey leads the conference with 1.46 blocks per set, while Bell is tied for second in the league at 1.39 blocks per set.

SEC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Following Tennessee's sweep of Arkansas, setter Natalie Hayward was named the conference setter of the week, with Mahaffey earning defensive player of the week honors.

Hayward dished out 68 assists against the Razorbacks and notched a pair of double-doubles. Mahaffey totaled 18 blocks and 15 kills between the two matches, including a career-high 12 blocks in the series opener.

GOOD START
The Lady Vols earned their 10th win in their 12th match of the season Sunday. That is the fastest to 10 wins for Tennessee since 2015 and ties for the program's fifth-best start since 1978.

WINDICATORS
Tennessee is 7-0 this season when it hits .250 or better, and during Eve Rackham Watt's three seasons on Rocky Top, UT is 43-3 when it eclipses the .250 hitting mark. Under Rackham Watt, the Lady Vols are 48-5 when they win the second set.

SCOUTING AUBURN
2021 Record: 8-3 (0-1 SEC)

Series Record: UT leads, 35-20-1

Last Meeting: Nov. 19, 2020 – A three-set win for the Lady Vols.

Key Player/Stat: Auburn is in its second season under head coach Brent Crouch and began the year on a six-match win streak. The Tigers come to Knoxville having dropped three of their last five, including the SEC opener against Ole Miss.
Sophomore Jackie Barrett runs the offense from her setter position, averaging 8.59 assists per set. In the middle, Tatum Shipes is tied with UT's Ava Bell for second in the conference in blocks per set with a mark of 1.39.

UP NEXT
The Lady Vols close out their homestand Saturday and Sunday as they welcome Texas A&M to Rocky Top. Tennessee will then begin a five-match road swing Oct. 8 at South Carolina.