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Sept. 17, 2008

Arkansas-Ole Miss Match Notes

AUBURN - The Auburn volleyball team returns to its home court for the first time in nearly three weeks this weekend as the Tigers open their Southeastern Conference schedule against Arkansas and Ole Miss.

Auburn (5-6) is coming off a 1-2 outing last weekend at the Michigan Pepsi Challenge. AU lost to Toledo (3-0) before bouncing back for a 3-1 win over Oakland. The Tigers then became just the second team this season to take a set off 25th-ranked Michigan as the Wolverines pulled out the 3-1 win.

"We are excited to return home after a few weeks on the road," said first-year head coach Wade Benson. "It was a good experience for our young team, and we have been able to learn a lot the past few weeks, but we are really looking forward to opening our SEC schedule in front of a big hometown crowd this weekend."

The SEC slate opens with the Razorbacks (3-7) at 6 p.m., Friday in the Student Activities Center. It will be "Pack the Act" night in the Student Act with the first 250 spectators through the door getting a free t-shirt. There will also be a chance to win an autographed Tommy Tuberville football and a post-match autograph session with the players.

"Arkansas is in a very similar situation as us this season with a very young team and a new coaching staff," said Benson. "We match up very well against them and I expect us to perform well. This match is going to be a great start to the season for someone, hopefully it is us."

The Razorbacks are coming off a 2-1 weekend at their home tournament, posting wins against Lamar and Tennessee-Martin against a loss to Virginia Tech.

Weekend action continues Sunday as the Tigers take on Ole Miss (4-5) at 1:30 p.m. in the Student Act. It will be Faculty and Staff Appreciate Day with prizes available for faculty and staff members that present an ID at the door. It will also be International Student Day with all countries represented being recognized and a competition for the country most well-represented at the match.

The Auburn-Ole Miss match is also part of the SEC Yes We CAN Food Drive as fans are encouraged to bring canned food to donate to local food banks. Donation barrels will be available at the match.

"Ole Miss is a very mature team after experiencing some success in the past few years, making the NCAA Tournament last season," said Benson. "They have hit a few bumps in the road this season and it should be an interesting match with them."

The Rebels are also coming off a 2-1 weekend at their home tournament. Ole Miss beat Eastern Illinois and Southern Methodist while falling to Georgia Tech in five sets.

Admission is free to both matches. Fans that cannot attend can follow all the action with GameTracker and a video Webcast at www.AuburnTigers.com.

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