By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Fresh off an impressive start to the 2024 campaign with a 3-1 mark at the Berry Kick-Off two weeks ago, the Tennessee Tech beach volleyball team will take on its stiffest test as a program this weekend, heading to Columbia, S.C. for the Carolina Challenge.
"This weekend has the potential to be a huge growth weekend for us in the trajectory of this program," Tech head coach Zach Weinberg said. "It's easily the best collection of teams we've played in one weekend and I'm looking forward to seeing how we respond when we are really pushed."
Play will open Saturday morning for the purple and gold with a 10:00 a.m. CT tilt against host South Carolina at Wheeler Beach. Day one wraps up with a 2:00 p.m. match with Eastern Kentucky.
On Sunday, the Golden Eagles will take on the Ospreys of North Florida in an 8:00 a.m. affair. Play concludes for the Cookeville crew Sunday afternoon with a 2:00 p.m. dual with New Orleans.
"On Saturday, on top of battling two very high-level opponents, it looks like we'll also be battling the weather," Weinberg explained. "I can't wait to see how we handle all the adversity we'll face this weekend."
After delivering a 3-1 showing at the No. 1 slot for the Golden Eagles in the season-opening tournament, junior Maddie Isringhausen and senior Bella Powell will once again pair up to represent Tech at No. 1 this weekend. Repping the purple and gold at No. 2 are graduate Skylar Boom and newcomer MK Roberts, who put forth a 2-2 showing in Mt. Berry, Ga. two weeks ago.
Another familiar pairing is on the docket at the No. 3 position for Tech, with juniors Brooke Amann and Aleeya Jones looking to build off their successful 2-1 debut earlier this year. A new look will be on display for the No. 4 duo, as junior McKenna Young will team up with freshman Ava Schubert, who will make her collegiate debut on the sand.
Three Golden Eagles will be in play at the No. 5 position during the weekend, including senior Katie DiRaimondo, graduate Olivia Taylor, and junior Jazmine Yamilkoski.
"Our focus since the Berry Tournament has been the Latin phrase "Audentes fortuna iuvat," Weinberg added. "Fortune favors the bold. I can't wait to watch that boldness and risk-taking in action."
Up Next
Next on tap for the Golden Eagles is the first Ohio Valley Conference weekend of the year, taking place in Chattanooga from Friday, Mar. 22 through Saturday, Mar. 23. Tech will take on UT Martin at 11:00 a.m. before squaring off with Lindenwood at 5:00 p.m. Day two will feature an 11:00 a.m. tilt with Eastern Illinois and a 5:00 p.m. match-up against host Chattanooga.
Photo by UT Martin Sports Information
