October 29, 2010
Golden Eagle comeback halted by Tigers
The Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles (6-17, 4-8 OVC) fell to the Tennessee State Tigers in five sets. Tech lost by the scores of 25-22, 25-16, 20-25, 20-25 and 17-15.
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles (6-17, 4-8 OVC) fell to the Tennessee State Tigers in five sets. Tech lost by the scores of 25-22, 25-16, 20-25, 20-25 and 17-15.
"We started off a little slow," head coach John Blair said. "We were not doing the things we have been working on and it cost us in the first two sets."
The opening set began with the Tigers owning a slight edge over the Golden Eagles at 9-7. Late in the set Tech managed to stay close to TSU at 23-22, but the Tigers were able to put the first set away at 25-22. Senior outside hitter Leah Meffert paced the Golden Eagles with five kills.
The second set remained close early on with TSU again holding a slight lead at 9-8. The Tigers then went on a 16-8 run to take the set 25-16, and a two-set lead into the break.
After the break Tennessee State got off to a quick start as it took an 11-7 lead early. With their backs to the wall, the Golden Eagles responded quickly with a 12-7 run to take a 19-18 lead. Four kills, and a few Tiger errors sealed a 25-20 Tech win in the third set.
With their newfound energy, the Golden Eagles flew out in the fourth set as they built a six-point lead at 16-10. Just like the third set, Tech was able to maintain its lead as it took the fourth set by the score of 25-20.
The final set saw a back and forth struggle in which neither team led by more than two points. Tied at 14, the Tigers were able to get the next point only to see the Golden Eagles tie it right back up at 15. TSU was able to hold off Tech as it took the final two points to win 17-15.
Meffert paced the Golden Eagle offense with a season-high 26 kills, while hitting .381. Senior setter Melanie Culp added 44 assists and 11 digs, while freshman defensive specialist Allison May produced a game-high 19 digs.
"We still need to get more consistency from across the lineup," Blair said. "TSU knocked us out of our rhythm early, but we recovered in the third and fourth sets. Credit them for recovering in the fifth set."
Tennessee Tech continues its road trip Saturday, as it takes on the Austin Peay Lady Govs at 2 p.m.
