CHICAGO — Auburn volleyball earned its second win at the DePaul Invitational, sweeping Central Michigan in a straight-set victory (25-19, 25-19, 25-11) on Saturday.
Auburn junior Belle Patrick led the Tigers with 18 kills. It is the most by an Auburn player in a three-set match this season. Patrick also recorded nine kills in the second set, tying her mark from the UIC match for the most kills in a set by a Tiger this season. Kate Mansfield recorded a season-high 12 kills, while Grace Havlick posted a career-high four digs and a season-best .800 hitting percentage.
On the offensive side, Carson Eickenloff and Shanelle Puetz led the Tigers with a total of 32 assists between the two of them.
Auburn battled through a competitive opening set against Central Michigan, but the Tigers pulled through to 25-19 in both the first and second sets. The Tigers eventually locked down the match with a 25-11 win in the third set to complete the sweep.
Head Coach Brent Crouch commented on the girls' improvements and adjustments.
“We saw some improvements from yesterday's match, hit on the adjustments that we stressed to the team,” Crouch said. “We grew throughout the match and finished with a solid third set. Belle and Kate were huge for us today on the attack, both taking advantage of their opportunities.”
The win gives Auburn momentum as the Tigers continue tournament play.
The Tigers will host their home opener on Thursday, Sept. 17, at 6 p.m. against UAB at the Alabama Showdown. The Alabama Showdown will feature two more matches from Thursday through Saturday, with Auburn facing Samford and South Alabama at Neville Arena.
