Benson replaced Laura Farina as Auburn coach after last season. The Tigers were 11-20 overall and 3-17 in the Southeastern Conference last season and have not had a winning season since 1999.
"We are excited to get out and play some matches, see some different styles of play and see how we stack up,” said Benson, who came to Auburn as Farina's top assistant. “We have a lot of youth on the team this year, and combined with our four returning starters, it should make for an interesting season.”
Admission to the tournament is free.
The Tigers return six letterwinners and four starters from 2007, including senior Jessica Glover and sophomores Sara Shanks, Liz Crouch and Lauren Mellor. Also returning is 6-foot-5 sophomore Alyssa Davis, who saw limited time as a starter late in the season. Eight newcomers - a transfer, a walk-on and six freshmen - will play for Auburn for the first time.
"Alyssa Davis has been one of our standouts through the preseason,” Benson said. “She really has improved a lot since last season. “I also think Sara shanks has been doing a good job out there, along with Emily Knuth and Lauren Mellor.
“Some of our new players, such as Chanelle Clark and Kelly Fidero, have been doing a nice job. All of our young players are really impressing me with how they are adjusting and being very aggressive on the court.”
INVITATIONAL SCHEDULE
Friday, Aug. 29
4 p.m.: Mercer vs. New Orleans
7 p.m.: Auburn vs. Samford
Saturday, Aug. 30
9 a.m.: Auburn vs. Mercer
11:30 a.m.: New Orleans vs. Samford
4 p.m.: Auburn vs. New Orleans
7 p.m.: Mercer vs. Samford
