EMU Tames Auburn Tigers with Four Set Victory in Home Opener

Match Highlights

YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – After dropping a match earlier in the day, the Eastern Michigan University volleyball team rebounded in the evening, Sept. 17, to defeat Southeastern Conference foe Auburn University in four sets, 25-18, 23-25, 25-20, 25-23, at the Convocation Center. The Eagles (5-7) defeated the Tigers (6-7) in their second match of the Michigan Challenge, as well as their home opener, and it was the first time the Green and White has knocked off an SEC opponent since Sept. 8, 1996, when EMU took down the University of Georgia in Athens, Ga.

The Eastern Michigan offense was paced by a trio of student-athletes who posted double-digit kills. Sophomore Jordan Smith (Solon, Iowa-Solon) led the way with 17 kills, while senior Devon Murray (Shelby, Ohio-Shelby) and freshman Alysa Sutton (Gaston, Ind.-Wes-Del) grabbed 11 kills apiece. Sutton picked up 14 digs as well, leading to her fourth double-double of the year. As a team, the Eagles hit at a season-best .305 clip, while holding the Tigers to a .177 attack percentage. Redshirt sophomore Mallory Rajewski (Midland, Mich.-Midland) and freshman Riley Taylor (Indianapolis, Ind.-Perry Meridian) split the setting duties, coming away with 21 and 22 assists, respectively. Defensively, the Green and White posted 12 blocks, Murray posted six block assists, while fellow senior Melva Smith (South Holland, Ill.-Thornwood (South Suburban)) notched five block assists, along with a solo stuff. Sophomore libero Alyssa LaFace (Allen Park, Mich.-Allen Park) paced the back row with a team-high 17 digs.

The Eagles cruised in the first set, hitting at a .400 clip, led by Sutton's five kills on six attempts. In addition to Sutton, the Green and White saw three kills come from Murray, Jordan Smith, and Melva Smith. On top of its strong offensive play, Eastern held the Tigers to just a .167 attack percentage in the frame, while picking up 14 digs, led by Rajewski's five. With a final score of 25-18 in the first frame, EMU took an early 1-0 advantage.

The Green and White continued to outhit Auburn in set number two, posting a .257 hitting percentage with Jordan Smith notching six kills. Sutton did not have quite the same success at the net but picked up her defensive play in the frame picking up seven of the Eagles' 20 digs during the second set. Trailing 17-12, EMU made a furious comeback, outscoring the Tigers, 7-2, to tie the match at 19 apiece, behind strong serving by junior Kelly Ferguson (Lemont, Ill.-Lemont (Austin Peay)). The Green and White eventually took a 23-21 lead but AU came back with four straight points to grab the set and tie the match heading into intermission.

Eastern came out of the break hot, hitting at a .387 clip on the way to a 25-20 set victory, while EMU held Auburn to a .143 hitting percentage in the set. Jordan Smith led the offense for the Eagles with five kills, while four others posted a least a pair.

The fourth and final set was the Green and White's least successful offensively, however EMU was able to stymie the AU offense as well. Trailing, 22-20, the Eagles rattled off five of the final six points to knock off the Tigers, 25-23, and come away with a victory on their home floor for the first time this year. Despite hitting just .188, Eastern Michigan kept Auburn at bay, as the Tigers to hit just .143 in the last set of the match.

The Eagles close out the Michigan Challenge when they square off with Colgate University Sunday, Sept. 18, at the Convocation Center. EMU will hit the hardwood against the Raiders Sunday afternoon with first serve slated for 1 p.m.

EMU Tames Auburn Tigers with Four Set Victory in Home Opener

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Team Stats

Jordan Smith

Alysa Sutton

Devon Murray

Melva Smith

Players Mentioned

Kelly Ferguson

Alyssa LaFace

Devon Murray

Mallory Rajewski

Jordan Smith

Melva Smith

Alysa Sutton

Riley Taylor

Players Mentioned

Kelly Ferguson

Alyssa LaFace

Devon Murray

Mallory Rajewski

Jordan Smith

Melva Smith

Alysa Sutton

Riley Taylor

Eastern Michigan Athletics