Atlanta – The Tennessee Tech volleyball team gave Louisville a run for its money in the second set, but the reigning Big East champions held firm to take a 3-0 win Friday afternoon in the opening match of the Georgia Tech Invitational.

"We saw a few bits and pieces of what we are capable of, "head coach John Blair said. "Louisville is a quality opponent but we made them work in that second set."

After dropping the first set 25-9, the Golden Eagles found new life in the second set and demonstrated what they are capable of. Unlike the first set, TTU kept the Cardinals within arms reach during the entire set despite falling 25-20.

During that middle set, sophomore outside hitter Natalie Penrod notched four of her five kills, while hitting at a .429 clip. Freshman outside hitter Ellen Conti also saw success in the second set as she recorded three of her four kills while hitting at a scorching .600 mark.

Junior setter Madi Comperry also added six of her nine assists in the second frame, while sophomore defensive specialist Allison May notched six of her team-high 13 digs.

"Everyone seemed to relax more in the second set," Blair said. "We saw glimpses of what we can do but we'll having to keep working to get to that point."

The Golden Eagles wrap up the Georgia Tech Invitational Saturday as they take on host Georgia Tech at 11:30 a.m., and Kansas State at 3:30 p.m.