Golden Eagles travel to Austin Peay on Friday, Tennessee State on Saturday
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. - After spending the past two weeks in the comforts of the Eblen Center, the Tennessee Tech volleyball team will have to travel this weekend as head coach John Blair and his Golden Eagles visit Austin Peay and Tennessee State in a pair of in-state OVC matchups.
The trip will be a little easier after last weekend when the Golden Eagles (3-11, 2-3 OVC) picked up a pair of OVC victories against UT Martin and Murray State.
"I believe that the first win is the most difficult to come by," said junior Marie Peddicord. "Once we were able to put together that first winning effort in the conference, we were able to figure out what level we will have to play at to win in the OVC."
Tech will look to build off of the victories last weekend and carry that momentum into this weekend.
"It was great to finally get a few conference wins under our belt," said captain Amanda Lindgren. "I think it really boosted the confidence of our team and will help us in the games ahead."
The Golden Eagles will need to be on their game on Friday night when they take on OVC-leading Austin Peay. The Lady Governors currently have a 10-4 record and a perfect 4-0 mark in the OVC. APU enters the match riding a five-match winning streak.
However, Lindgren is confident that the team will be ready to battle on Friday.
"I expect that our confidence, hard work, and determination will carry over from last weekend, and we'll put our best foot forward against Austin Peay," Lindgren said.
Not to be overlooked is Tech's match on Saturday afternoon against Tennessee State. The Lady Tigers (2-12, 1-2 OVC) have struggled up to this point, but if history repeats itself, the Golden Eagles know they will be in for a competitive match.
"Tennessee State always challenges us in ways other teams don't, especially at their home," Peddicord said. "A win at TSU is always particularly hard to come by."
The Golden Eagle players have collectively elevated their play of late as they continue to become more comfortable playing with one another.
"I think all of the girls have been doing great things on the court," Lindgren said. "Everyone has the right attitude, and we're striving towards the same goal."
Peddicord pointed out that more consistency has been a key for Tech.
"I think things have really started to connect all around," Peddicord said. "More consistent passing has led to more consistent setting, and more consistent setting has led to more consistent hitting."
In addition, TTU's block has continued to show progression. In three matches last week, Tech out-blocked its opponents collectively, 35-21.
"The hard work we have committed to blocking techniques is beginning to show in the game," Peddicord said. "When you can rely on your block, it helps several other aspects of the game."
The Golden Eagles will look for their third consecutive victory when they play at 7 p.m. on Friday against Austin Peay. Tech will then travel to Nashville for a 2 p.m. matchup on Saturday at Tennessee State.
