Posted: Nov 09, 2010
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COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – With two matches left in the 2010 regular season, the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles control their own playoff destiny as they host Eastern Illinois and Southeast Missouri State this weekend.
The Golden Eagles enter the week owners of a 9-18 record and a 7-9 OVC record. Their 7-9 conference mark places them in a tie for the sixth and final playoff spot with Eastern Illinois. Should Tech win its final two matches of the season, it will secure the final playoff spot.
"We're either going to make it or we won't," head coach John Blair said. "If we can keep our poise and continue to play the way we have been playing lately we should get the result we are looking for."
Eastern Illinois comes into the week with a 15-14 overall record and a 7-9 OVC record. In their previous meeting with the Panthers this season, the Golden Eagles fell to EIU in five sets. Over the last three seasons Tennessee Tech has won three of five matches against EIU. The opening serve is set for Friday, at 7 p.m.
"EIU is a balanced team," Blair said. "They have a rotation that is capable of putting up some good numbers and when they play well they're one of the best in the league."
Tech concludes the 2010 regular season against Southeast Missouri State Saturday at 4:30 p.m. SEMO owns a 5-23 record, including a 3-13 mark in OVC play. Earlier this season, the Golden Eagles defeated the Redhawks in four sets and are 3-2 over the last three seasons.
"Going up against a team like SEMO, who's out of the playoff race, you never know what you're going to get," Blair said. "You could go into the match expecting one thing and see something completely different."