Racers outlast Golden Eagles
The Tennessee Tech volleyball team (4-13, 2-4 OVC) saw its two-match winning streak snapped by the Murray State Racers by the score of 3-2. Tech lost by the scores of 22-25, 25-21, 29-27, 16-25 and 15-9.
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Tech volleyball team (4-13, 2-4 OVC) saw its two-match winning streak snapped by the Murray State Racers by the score of 3-2. Tech lost by the scores of 22-25, 25-21, 29-27, 16-25 and 15-9.
"It was a well-played match," head coach John Blair said.
Tech controlled the first set early on and was able to build a 23-17 lead. The Racers managed to pull within two at 24-22 but the Golden Eagles recovered and took the first set 25-22. Sophomore middle blocker Kelsey Grey paced the Tech offense with five kills.
Both teams stayed close together in the second set as neither team led by more than four points. The Racers held a 19-18 lead late in the second set and were able to hold on as they took the set 25-21. Senior middle blocker Marie Peddicord led the Golden Eagles with five kills while hitting .714.
The Golden Eagles played the Racers into extra points in the third set, marking just the sixth time this season Tech has gone to extra points. The Golden Eagles had two opportunities to take the set but Murray State was able to hold on to take the set 29-27.
Tennessee Tech came out firing on all cylinders in the fourth set as it built a 17-10 lead and would go on to win the set 25-16. Grey led the Golden Eagle offense with six kills.
The Racers started the fifth set on a 6-0 run, only to see the Golden Eagles pull within two a 7-5. Murray State was able to withstand Tech's comeback and managed to take the set 15-9 and the match.
"We controlled the fourth set well," Blair said. "But in the fifth set we didn't execute and Murray was able to take advantage of it."
Senior outside hitter Leah Meffert led Tech in kills with a season-high 21 kills and 20 digs, while Grey and Peddicord added 17 and 15 kills, respectively. Senior setter Melanie Culp chipped in with a season-high 57 assists.
Tech continues its road trip as it takes on Southeast Missouri State Friday, at 7p.m.
