COOKEVILLE, Tenn. --- Fans who packed Eblen Center Friday evening for the Tennessee Tech volleyball team's match against Southeast Missouri were treated to a competitive four-set affair that ultimately went the way of the Redhawks.
After a pair of decisive sets from both teams, the Golden Eagles and Redhawks hunkered down for a couple of competitive sets that went right down to the wire.
The third set featured five lead changed and eight instances when the score was tied. With the score tied at 16, the Redhawks were able to build a five-point lead at 23-18, only to see the Golden Eagles fly back into it as they pulled within one at 24-23. Southeast Missouri was able to weather the storm as the Redhawks took the set 25-23.
As in the third set, the fourth frame featured several lead changes, as both teams were knotted up at 16 once again. SEMO proceeded to go on a 9-6 run to finish the set with a 25-22 victory to seal the match.
Sophomore Natalie Penrod led the Golden Eagle offense with 14 kills, while junior Kelsey Gray tallied 11 kills and a team-leading five total blocks. Freshman Sarah Teel added nine kills and nine digs of her own, while sophomore Allison May recorded a team-high 27 digs.
Colleen Yarber paced the Redhawk offense with a match-high 16 kills, while Julie Shives dished out a match-high 35 assists. Berkley Idel anchored the SEMO defense with a total of 28 digs.
The Golden Eagles (3-20, 2-11 OVC) wrap up their homestand Saturday, as they host the Murray State Racers, at 2 p.m.