October 9, 2010

Golden Eagles drop tough loss to Panthers

Tennessee Tech (5-14, 3-5 OVC) wrapped up its four-game road trip as it fell to the Eastern Illinois Panthers. EIU won by the scores of 22-25, 21-25, 25-22, 26-24 and 17-15.

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Tech (5-14, 3-5 OVC) wrapped up its four-game road trip as it fell to the Eastern Illinois Panthers. EIU won by the scores of 22-25, 21-25, 25-22, 26-24 and 17-15.

"It was a well played match," head coach John Blair said. "We executed well, but Eastern Illinois just executed better in the last three sets."

Both teams remained close mid way through the first set as Tech owned a 14-13 lead. TTU then used a 6-3 run to take a 20-16 lead. The Golden Eagles were able to with stand an EIU surge as they took the opening set 25-22.

Tech followed the first set with a similar performance in the second set as the Golden Eagles were able to build a three-point lead at 15-12 halfway through the set. The Panthers were able to pull within two at 22-20, but that was as close and they would get as TTU closed out the set 25-21 to take a two-set lead into the break.

Both teams found themselves tied at 11 early in the third set. Eastern Illinois was then able to build a 21-18 lead only to see the Golden Eagles come back and tie it at 21. The Panthers were able to avoid the sweep however as they took the third set 25-22.

The fourth set remained close as neither team led y more than four points the whole way. EIU managed to take a 24-21 point lead, only to see Tech string together four points to forced extra points. The Panthers were able to stop the Golden Eagle rush and took the fourth set 26-24.

Just like the four previous sets before it, neither team was able to build a large lead as both teams found themselves tied at 12. Tech had the first opportunity to win the set at 15-14, but the Panthers were able to go on a 3-0 run two TTU attack errors to take the final set 17-15 and the match.

Senior Leah Meffert posted a game-high 24 kills, while freshman Allison May recorded a career-high 36 digs. Senior Melanie Culp added 52 assists and 13 digs, while senior Marie Peddicord added 14 kills.

Tech begins a three-match home stand Friday, Oct. 15 as it takes on Jacksonville State.