By: Holly Weber, TTU Sports Information Coordinator
COOKEVILLE, Tenn.—Coming off of an exciting home victory, the Tennessee Tech volleyball team (4-13, 2-2 OVC) hits the road to compete against the Belmont Bruins (6-9, 3-1 OVC) in a 6 p.m. contest on Friday and then the Tennessee State Tigers (7-9, 2-2 OVC) at 2 p.m. on Saturday.
The Bruins have claimed conference victories over Eastern Kentucky, Morehead State, and Eastern Illinois, while falling to just Tennessee State. Tony Howell is the head coach for Belmont, entering his second season at the helm of the program. The Bruins are led by Arianna Person. Thus far this season, Person has totaled 219 kills, 24 service aces, and 189 digs and continues to lead Belmont in their matches. When the two teams last met in 2014, the Bruins defeated Tech in both head-to-head matches. Both by a 3-0 margin (25-15, 25-19, and 25-14) (25-20, 25-15, 25-16).
The Tigers have taken conference wins over Belmont and SIU-Edwardsville, while falling to Eastern Kentucky and Morehead State. Tennessee State is headed by Kathy Bullock. She returns to the Tigers for her 12th season at the head of the program. Chloe Watson continues to lead Tennessee State, totaling 218 kills, 22 service aces, 128 digs and 39 blocks. When the Golden Eagles and Tigers faced off last season, Tech took wins in both matches, first by a 3-1 margin (25-22, 20-25, 25-20, and 25-17), and then by a 3-2 edge (25-22, 25-23, 17-25, 16-25, and 15-5).
Cody Dodd continues to lead the way for the Golden Eagles. Thus far, Dodd has totaled 252 kills (4.20 kills per set), 24 service aces, 167 digs and 37 blocks. Sharon Anderson also plays a key role in the Tech line up. Totaling 509 assists (9.25 per set) and 160 digs.
After the Golden Eagles' two matches this weekend, they return home for their "Dig Pink" matches on Friday-Saturday, Oct. 16-17. The Tech volleyball team is currently raising funds for the stage four breast cancer through the "Sideout Foundation." You can donate on their website here, or contact assistant coach Cassandra Joyner (cjoyner@tntech.edu) with any questions.
