LSU is the only team in Southeastern Conference tournament history to topple a No. 1 seed in the opening round, beating Auburn in 2002.
Fast-forward to tonight, and the tables have turned with No. 2 LSU (12-6-1, 8-3 SEC) favored against No. 7 Auburn (11-6-2, 5-5-1 SEC) in a match in Orange Beach, Ala.
LSU coach Brian Lee said playing on a neutral field on a Wednesday night makes for a different environment than either team is accustomed to.
“Auburn is No. 7 in our tournament, but they beat the No. 1 team in the nation in Duke earlier in the season,” Lee said. “Any game can be your last, so you have to bring an intensity that you can see from the opening differently.”
Auburn senior midfielder Katy Frierson enters the match as a First Team All-SEC member for the fourth time in her career. She became only the fifth player ever to achieve the honor all four years of her career.
Frierson’s teammate, senior defender Julie King, was also named to the First Team All-SEC list, as well as being named an SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Year.
“Their midfield is excellent,” Lee said. “Their forward line is very good. They’re a well coached, efficient team. Katy Frierson is one of the top players in the