By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information

JACKSONVILLE, Ala. – In the final match-up between the two programs as Ohio Valley Conference foes, Jacksonville State took the win over the Tennessee Tech volleyball team Monday evening, 3-1 (25-17, 25-18, 22-25, 25-21).

Competing in Pete Mathews Coliseum, the Gamecocks claimed each of the first two sets on the night, with the Golden Eagle offense struggling to find consistency. Jax State turned in 15 kills and hit .355 in the opening set, working a 25-17 win.

Tech's defense forced 11 Gamecock attack errors in the second set, but the home team kept coming with a 15-kill showing. JSU claimed the set, 25-18.

The Golden Eagle offense really came to life in the third set, erupting for 17 kills on just two errors. Smashing .455 in the set, Tech out-hit the Gamecocks, who hit a healthy .314 with 17 kills of their own, on their way to a 25-22 victory.  

In the fourth, and ultimately, decisive set, Jax State converted on its opportunities at a better rate, hitting .464 with 15 kills. Tech turned in a solid effort, tallying 14 kills on a .226 hitting percentage, but the home team's efficiency proved the difference-maker for the 25-21 decision.

Redshirt sophomore Madeline Furtado led the Tech offensive effort on the night, producing a career-high 12 kills on 28 attempts and hitting .286. She also collected five digs and a solo block.

Middle blocker Taylor Dorsey collected eight kills on a .227 hitting percentage and totaled two blocks while Ali Verzani gathered nine kills and five digs. Sophomore Emma Osterbur led the purple and gold with 10 digs.

Skylar Boom turned in a team-high four blocks and seven kills on the night. Setter Ashley Hand dished out 38 assists and served a pair of aces. She also totaled six digs.

The Tech squad is set to return home to the Hooper Eblen Center for another OVC test, playing host to undefeated Morehead State. The two rivals will square off at 7:00 p.m. CT on Sunday, Mar. 7 and again on Monday, Mar. 8 at 5:00 p.m.

Photo by Jim Dillon