By Jocelyn VerVelde, TTU Sports Information Coordinator

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. - The Tennessee Tech volleyball team dropped it's midweek match-up with Ohio Valley Conference opponent Jacksonville State 3-0 on Tuesday night. The Gamecocks won 25-20, 25-18, 25-19  to wrap-up the competition.

The Golden Eagles were led by senior outside hitter Natalie Penrod who put down a team-high 10 kills on the night. Junior middle blocker Madison Keyes added seven kills, while hitting an impressive .429. She also added a team-high three blocks. Senior setter Ashleigh Hancock and freshman setter Sharon Anderson split time at the position, putting up 14 and 20 assists respectively. 

The Gamecocks were led by sophomore outside hitter Emily Rutherford who put way 15 kills and added nine digs. Senior setter Abbey Heredia recorded a double-double with 23 assists and 10 digs.

Tech was able to open the match trading points with Jacksonville State, until the Gamecocks were able to pull away after a kill by Rutherford. The Golden Eagles were able to to close the gap down to two points at 18-16, but Jacksonville State pulled away and won the set 25-20.

Set two was controlled by the Gamecocks early as they opened on a 6-3 run, and three points was the closest the Golden Eagles were able to come within. Jacksonville State maintained its lead throughout the set, and despite back-to-back kills by senior Elise Robertson and sophomore Audrey Lewis, Jacksonville State put the set away 25-18.

Following the intermission, Tech looked to fight back in the third set. However the Gamecocks had other plans. Jacksonville State took an early lead and never relinquished it, taking the final set 25-19.

The Golden Eagles will be back in action on Friday at UT Martin at 7 p.m. CDT.