COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Golden Eagle fans can catch their first glimpse of the 2019 Tennessee Tech volleyball team Friday, Aug. 23, as the program hosts its annual Purple vs. Gold Scrimmage. First serve at the Hooper Eblen Center is set for 7 p.m., and admission is free.
"We are excited for the scrimmage because we are going to make it as game-like as possible," stated coach Waldo. "It will be our first step onto our home-court in that manner."
The Golden Eagles return the bulk of their offensive production from last season, highlighted by returning starter and 2019 All-OVC preseason team honoree Rachel Thomas, as well as Ali Verzani and Taylor Dorsey.
Verzani and Thomas were Tech's kill leaders in 2018, while Thomas also led the team in blocks. Dorsey was also a major defensive factor at the net for the Golden Eagles last season as she finished second on the team in blocks.
The Golden Eagles will also feature an exciting set of newcomers as Tech looks to fill their need at libero and setter. Waldo signed seven freshmen and adds a sophomore transfer from Liberty University in Madeline Furtado.
"We have a lot more depth on the team this season than we did last year. Some of our newcomers are battling for starting positions, and some of them are really pushing our returners within their positions, so I think that it will be exciting to see where our newcomers find their role on and off the court," expressed Waldo. "They know that this weekend isn't set in stone for anything, and I think it's fun that we really mean that. I see that our lineup will be ever-changing because we have so much talent and depth. It's exciting knowing that we have options."
The Golden Eagles will close out the preseason on the road against the Lipscomb Bison on Saturday, Aug. 24 in Nashville.
"At this point in preseason, our team like so many others around the country, is just ready to play another opponent," said coach Waldo. "We are just excited to see someone that isn't ourselves, to learn who we really are and see the aspects we have elevated in our game, and to get more familiar with each other."
Following Saturday's competition, the Golden Eagles will gear up to start the season as they head to Ann Arbor, Michigan for the two-day Michigan Invitational on Aug. 30-31. Tech will match up against Northern Arizona and Oakland on Friday, before closing out competition on Saturday against host Michigan.
