Volleyball opens 2019 season at Michigan Invitational
August 29, 2019

Volleyball opens 2019 season at Michigan Invitational

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. - The Tennessee Tech volleyball team kicks off its 2019 season this weekend as it travels to Ann Arbor, Michigan for the two-day Ann Arbor Invitational at Cliff Keen Arena on the campus of the University of Michigan Friday-Saturday, 30-31.

Recap Recap Box Score Box Score Box Score

TOURNAMENT CENTRAL

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30

Tennessee Tech vs. Northern Arizona • noon • Live Stats

Tennessee Tech vs. Oakland • 4 p.m. • Live Stats

SATURDAY, AUGUST 31

Tennessee Tech vs. #15 Michigan • 1 p.m. • Live Stats

 

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Tech volleyball team kicks off its 2019 season this weekend as it travels to Ann Arbor, Michigan for the two-day Ann Arbor Invitational at Cliff Keen Arena on the campus of the University of Michigan Friday-Saturday, 30-31.

The Golden Eagles begin the round-robin tournament Friday with a noon meeting against Northern Arizona, followed by a 4 p.m. showdown against Oakland. Tech will close out play on Saturday as they take on host No. 15 Michigan at 1 p.m. Live stats will be available for all three matches.

TEAM NOTES

  • The Golden Eagles enter their second season under head coach Jeannette Waldo
  • Coach Waldo and her coaching staff are 1-0 all-time in season openers with the Golden Eagles
  • Tech returns three of its four top scorers from last season in Ali Verzani (386.5 points/3.3 points per set), Rachel Thomas (380 points/3.2 points per set), and Taylor Dorsey (230.5 points/2.2 points per set)
  • Thomas was selected to the 2019 All-OVC Preseason Team
  • The Golden Eagles will feature a few new faces this season as sophomore transfer Madi Furtado and freshmen Dallas Oatis, Raya George, Carly Skrabak, Emma Osterbur, and Morgan Gish saw action in Tech's exhibition win against Lipscomb.

THE OPPOSITION

Northern Arizona (2018 Record: 26-9, 15-3 Big Sky | Series Record: First Meeting)

The Lumberjacks are the defending Big Sky champions. The 'Jacks compiled a record of 26-9 overall and 15-3 in conference play last season. NAU appeared in its second NCAA Tournament appearance over the last four seasons in 2018. Senior Abby Akin and junior Heaven Harris headline NAU's returners, having earned 2018 All-Big Sky First Team honors last year, in addition to sophomore Ryann Davis who earned a Second Team selection and was named Big Sky Outstanding Freshman.

Oakland (2018 Record: 10-17, 6-10 Horizon | Series Record: First Meeting)

Oakland was picked to finish fourth in the Horizon League, after finishing their 2018 campaign 10-17 overall and 6-10 in Horizon play. The Golden Grizzlies returners are highlighted by 2018 All-Horizon League First Team selections Krysteena Davis and Jamie Walling. The Golden Eagles and Grizzlies will compete in their first-ever meeting on Friday.

Michigan (2018 Record: 24-10, 11-9 Big Ten | Series Record: First Meeting)

The Wolverines enter the season ranked at No. 15 after finishing the 2018 season as the No. 12-ranked team in the nation. Michigan also ended their season with a 24-10 record, 11-9 in Big Ten play, that saw the Wolverines secure a berth in the NCAA Sweet 16. The Wolverines return All-Big Ten All-Freshman Team selection Paige Jones for the 2019 season. This will be the first time in program history that the Golden Eagles have lined up across the net from the Wolverines.

Following Saturday's tournament finale, Tennessee Tech will remain on the road as they head to Louisville, Ky. for the Fleur de Lis Tournament with matchups against Louisville, Arizona State, and Western Kentucky on Sept. 6-7.