EKU Colonels top Golden Eagles in four sets

EKU Colonels top Golden Eagles in four sets

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Tech Golden Eagle volleyball team (6-16, 4-7 OVC) fell to the Eastern Kentucky Colonels, 3-1, Saturday afternoon in Eblen Center. TTU lost by the scores of 28-26, 25-16, 11-25 and 25-18.

"It was a disappointing match," head coach John Blair said. "We have been playing much better than we did today. We lacked execution and Eastern Kentucky took advantage of it."
 
The first set saw the Colonels build a quick lead at 10-3 only to see Tech climb back to take the lead at 13-12. Late in the set TTU still led by one at 24-23 looking to put the set away, but EKU managed to hang on as they took the first set in extra points 28-26. Senior outside hitter Leah Meffert recorded nine kills, while hitting .421.
 
The second set belonged to the Colonels as they built a quick 10-point lead at 17-7 and never looked back as they took the set 25-15.
 
Down two sets to none, Blair sent four of his freshmen out on to the floor for the third set. The set remained an even contest as both teams were tied at 11. Meffert then stepped up to serve and EKU would not get the ball back as the Golden Eagles ran off 14 straight points to take the third set 25-11. During the 14-0 stretch, Meffert record three aces. Freshman setter Ashleigh Hancock added seven assists as well.
 
With most of the freshmen still on the floor, Tech was knotted up with Eastern Kentucky midway through the fourth set at 16. The Colonels would then put together a 9-2 run to take the fourth set 25-18, and the match.
 
Meffert recorded a game-high 17 kills and 10 digs, while Hancock posted a season-high 17 assists. Freshman defensive specialist Allison May tallied 16 digs, while freshman outside hitter Natalie Penrod added nine kills.
 
Tennessee Tech begins a three-match road trip Friday when it takes on Tennessee State at 7 p.m. in Nashville.