MOBILE, Ala. - South Alabama hosts the intrastate tournament between Auburn, UAB, and Samford this weekend.
The Jaguars return from two away tournaments at Clemson, S.C., and Tallahassee, Fla. to finish their non-conference schedule in Jaguar Gym facing Auburn on Sept. 14 at 6 p.m., Samford on Sept. 15 at 6 p.m., and UAB at 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 16.
USA STORYLINES
- Balanced team production has been a commonality throughout the Jaguars' early season with four different players already tallying double doubles, Niki Capizzi (kills and blocks), Kailey Keeble (assists and digs), Maddie Soboleski (kills and digs), and Hannah Maddux (kills and digs).
- The verticality of the front line has been impressive, with USA being ranked 33rd in the country in team total blocks (84.0), and placing 36th nationally in blocks per set (2.62).
- A volume number of assists has been a characterization of the Jags early, with USA leading the conference and ranking 38th in the nation in assists per set (12.66) and Keeble ranking 14th in the nation in assists per set (11.12).
- Nonstop pressure from the offense has shown to put opponents on their heels on multiple occasions already this season. The Jaguars are 42nd in kills per set and lead the Sun Belt with 13.56.
OPPONENT HISTORY
- Auburn leads the all-time series, 24-12. The last time these teams faced was in 2017 at the War Eagle Invitational at Auburn and ended in a 3-0 match in favor of the Tigers.
- Samford in 12-11 in the series, with the last game taking place in 2019 that saw Samford take the overall lead in the series on a 3-1 win during the Owl Invitational in Kennesaw, Georgia.
- The rivalry with UAB is the oldest and most storied series for South at the tournament, starting in 1974. The Blazers lead the series 23-18 and have won the last eight meetings dating back to
1990. This will be the first time they have played in over 20 years, since 9/12/03.
UP NEXT
- The Jags conclude a five game homestand and begin conference play hosting Southern Miss on Sept. 22 and 23, both games at 6 p.m.
FOLLOW THE JAGS
To stay up to date on everything South Alabama Volleyball, follow the Jags on Twitter (@SouthAlabamaVB), Facebook (SouthAlabamaAthletics), Instagram (SouthAlabamaVB), or visit the official home of South Alabama Athletics (usajaguars.com).
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