Golden Eagle volleyball team drops match-up at SIUE

Golden Eagle volleyball team drops match-up at SIUE


By Jocelyn VerVelde, Sports Information Coordinator

COOKVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Tech women's volleyball team was defeated at the hand of host SIU Edwardsville Cougars Friday night. SIUE took the match three sets to none, 25-15, 25-12, and 25-19.

The Golden Eagles were led by junior Madison Keyes, who had a career night. Keyes put down a team-high and career-high 12 kills on 17 attempts with just one error, hitting a blistering .647. Keyes was aided offensively by senior Elise Robertson and sophomore Audrey Lewis, who each put down six kills. Senior Ashleigh Hancock dished out 24 assists, while junior Allison May added a team-high eight digs.

The Cougars saw three hitters reach double-digit kills in the match. Cori Harris lead the match putting down 13 kills on a .632 hitting percentage. Kelsey Augustine and Taylor Held each put down 11 kills. Mallory Mangun distributed the ball to the tune of 34 assists, while libero Chelsea Colclasure recorded a match-high 13 digs.

Tech opened the match with a neck-and-neck battle with the host. Trading points through the score of 13-13, the Cougars went on a 12-2 run that closed the set 25-15 on six straight SIUE kills, three from Held and three from Harris.

The Cougars carried over their momentum to set two, and the Golden Eagles were never able to find their rhythm. Limited to just seven kills in the set, Tech's offense was unable to find the floor. SIUE only put down 13 kills in the set, but it was enough as they took the set leading into intermission, 25-12.

In the third and final set, the Golden Eagles looked to find their offensive vibe as they opened up the set with a 6-3 lead.  Despite putting down 14 kills on an impressive .345 hitting percentage,  it was just too late. The Cougars put down 17 kills and maintained their momentum, overcoming the Golden Eagles early lead to take the final set 25-19.

The Golden Eagles return to action Saturday afternoon as they challenge Ohio Valley Conference west division leaders Eastern Illinois at 2 p.m. CT.