By: Holly Weber, TTU Sports Information Coordinator
COOKEVILLE, Tenn.—Pre-conference tournaments have come to an end, and the Tennessee Tech volleyball team is ready to begin Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) play on Friday-Saturday. The Golden Eagles have compiled a 2-11 record thus far, taking wins against Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Western Carolina. Opening its conference schedule this weekend, Tech will face opponents of Eastern Illinois University (EIU) and Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville (SIUE).
Eastern Illinois (5-9, 0-0 OVC)
In 2014, the Panthers finished sixth in the OVC, acquiring a 15-16 overall record, and going 8-8 in conference matchups. Samantha Wolinski, who began her first year at the helm of Eastern Illinois' program this season, heads the Panthers. Senior, Chelsea Lee, leads EIU, and has already totaled 158.5 points (3.05 points per set) and posted 146 kills (2.81 kills per set) and a .183 hitting percentage on the season. The Panthers' 5-9 overall record is the fifth best entering the conference season.
SIUE (2-8, 0-0 OVC)
In 2014, SIUE compiled a 14-17 overall record, including a 6-10 conference mark. The Cougars enter the 2015 conference season with a 2-8 overall record (10th best in the OVC). Leah Johnson returns to the Cougars for her fifth season at the head of the program. Also returning to SIUE, is senior Kristen Torre. Torre is leading the way for the Cougars this season totaling 106 kills (2.72 kills per set), a .359 hitting percentage, and posting 136 points (3.5 points per set) thus far.
Golden Eagles (2-11, 0-0 OVC)
As a team, Tech is going into conference matches averaging 10.9 kills, 15.4 digs and 10.3 assists per set. Heading the way for the Golden Eagles is senior Cody Dodd. Dodd was named to the Tennessee Invitational, Memphis Invitational and Golden Eagle Invitational All-Tournament teams, as well as was named the OVC "Volleyball Offensive Player of the Week" on Sept. 21. Currently totaling 183 kills (4.07 kills per set) and 217.5 points (4.83 points per set), Dodd continues to be a key contributor to the Tech offense. Another key factor in the Golden Eagles line-up is setter, Sharon Anderson. Anderson was named to the Golden Eagle Invitational All-Tournament team and tied her career-high assists (55) in Tech's win against Western Carolina. Anderson has gathered 345 assists (8.62 assists per set) and 111 digs (2.78 digs per set) so far this season.
