By Layne Weitzel, TTU Sports Information

AKRON, Ohio – The Golden Eagles wrapped up their first Ohio trip this season with a double-header Saturday as part of the Akron Invitational.

In the first match, host Akron defeated Tech 3-0 (25-20, 25-23, 25-17). Loyola (Md.) followed with a four-set win (22-25, 25-21, 25-21, 25-22) over the Golden Eagles.

Shaneice James represented Tech (2-4) on the Akron Invitational all-tournament team, hitting .315 on the weekend (including two matches of a hitting percentage of over .330) with 18 kills and 19 points.

Tech improved its team hitting percentage from Friday to Saturday, totaling .056 vs. La Salle and then hitting .240 vs. Akron and .214 vs. Loyola (Md.)

"We're still searching as a team and as a staff for the right combination of players," said head coach Dave Zelenock. "We're getting closer every match to figure out who we are and what we're going to be capable of this year."

at AKRON

Tech led 15-11 in the first set against Akron (2-4), but the Zips rattled off four-straight points to tie it at 15-all. A 10-5 run gave the Zips the first set victory 25-20.

Tech and Akron danced around one another in the second set, with the Golden Eagles clinging to a 21-20 lead late. A 5-2 run helped Akron to their second set win of 25-23.

The Golden Eagles couldn't grab a lead in the third set, dropping it 24-17.

vs. LOYOLA (Md.)

Tech built a substantial eight-point lead in the first set against Loyola (Md.), winning 19-11. Loyola (2-4) took advantage of some Tech attack errors, cutting the lead to 24-22, but a kill from Taylor Houck sealed the set win.

However, the Greyhounds would win the next three sets, outlasting Tech with a late 5-1 run in the second set, building a big lead over the Golden Eagles to lock down the third set and holding off Tech in the fourth set to win by three points.