By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Tech volleyball team fell to in-state rival and reigning Atlantic Sun Conference champion Lipscomb in exhibition play Friday evening, as the Bisons defeated the Golden Eagles 3-0 (25-23, 25-16, 25-13) in Allen Arena in the final tune-up for both squads before the start of the 2021 campaign next week.
The two sides turned in a dogfight in the opening set, with neither side taking more than a three-point advantage at any point. Lipscomb's 12-9 in the middle of set one quickly disappeared behind a four-point run by the Golden Eagles. Both sides dialed up the intensity to lock it up at 22-22, but the Bisons hung on late to take the opener 25-23.
Set two saw the home squad break away late, but Tech closed an early gap to just three at 12-9. Lipscomb pulled away down the stretch, capturing the second set 25-16 for the 2-0 lead.
Trailing by three early in the third set, the Golden Eagles squared things back up at 9-9 and eventually took a 12-11 lead. The Bisons responded with an eye-popping 14-1 run to end the match, however, claiming a 25-13 win in the final set.
Leading the way for Tech offensively was middle blocker Taylor Dorsey, who hit .333 with a team-high nine kills. The returning junior added a solo block to total 10.0 points on the night.
Setter Ashley Hand registered 18 assists, seven digs, and a pair of block assists while returning freshman outside hitter Madolyn Isringhausen turned in seven kills and a pair of digs. Libero and returning freshman McKenna Young tallied a team-high 12 digs while junior Lauren Toledo delivered a team-high two service aces.
The Golden Eagles will officially kick off the 2021 season at the War Eagle Invitational hosted by Auburn. The season-opening match is slated for 10:30 a.m. CT on Friday, Aug. 27 against The Citadel. Tech will also take on Jackson State in a 4:30 p.m. tilt later that day. A 10:30 a.m. match-up with Auburn on Saturday, Aug. 28 will round out the first tournament of the year for Tech.
File photo by Jim Dillon