By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Tech volleyball team took its next step towards a 2020-21 season Tuesday, as the Ohio Valley Conference officially released this year's schedule, set to begin in the spring of 2021.
The Golden Eagles will face a 16-match slate, all in conference play, beginning Sunday, Feb. 7. Start times for all matches will be released at a later date. As with all events during the COVID-19 pandemic, all dates and times are subject to change. Teams will play in accordance with local regulations, NCAA medical guidelines and supporting OVC standards.
"There is no doubt that this season will feel different because it is different," Tech head coach Jeannette Waldo said, "but we are pleased to be playing a schedule that brings us so close to 'normal' OVC play. Tell us where to be and when to be there, and we will do it. We are just happy to be playing volleyball again."
The Tech volleyball squad will officially kick off the 46th season in program history on the road, visiting in-state rival Tennessee State on Feb. 7. The two teams will face off a second time on Monday, Mar. 15 in the comfort of the Hooper Eblen Center. Last season, the purple and gold claimed not one, but two 3-0 victories over the Tigers.
The season continues Monday, Feb. 8 with another appearance in Nashville, this time for a match-up with Belmont. The Bruins will return the trip to Cookeville on Sunday, Mar. 14. Tech made it a perfect 4-0 against its OVC opponents from Nashville last season, defeating Belmont on the road, 3-0, and at home, 3-1.
The Golden Eagles will face Jacksonville State two times during the 2020-21 campaign. The first tilt will occur in Cookeville on Wednesday, Feb. 10 while the return trek to Jacksonville, Ala. is set for Wednesday, Mar. 17.
Monday, Feb. 15 represents Tech's lone match against in-state foe UT Martin, a home contest in the Hoop. The Skyhawks took last year's affair in Martin, rallying for a 3-1 victory over the Golden Eagles.
A match with Morehead State continues the Golden Eagle homestand on Sunday, Feb. 21. Tech will then wrap up the regular season on Monday, Mar. 29 by making the trip north to Morehead. The purple and gold will also square off twice against Eastern Kentucky, with meetings scheduled for Monday, Feb. 22 in Cookeville and Sunday, Mar. 28 in Richmond, Ky.
Tech will look for the same success as last season when facing the Colonels, claiming a nail-biting, 3-2 victory at home and a dominant, 3-0 win on the road.
A two-match road swing starts with the Golden Eagles facing Murray State on Sunday, Feb. 28. The Racers claimed last year's match-up, 3-1. The trip ends Monday, Mar. 1 with an in-state affair in Clarksville with Tech looking for its second-straight win over the Governors after a 3-1 win last year.
Back in the Eblen Center, Tech will take on SIUE in a Sunday, Mar. 7 tilt. In last year's match, it was the Golden Eagles who finished on top with a 3-1 win. Tech will then host Eastern Illinois on Monday, Mar. 8, looking for redemption after a close, 3-2 loss in Charleston, Ill. in 2019.
Rounding out the opponent list for the Golden Eagles in 2020-21 are the Redhawks of Southeast Missouri. Tech will make a trip to Cape Girardeau, Mo. on Monday, Mar. 22. Last season, the two teams split their meetings, with Tech earning a 3-1 win early in the regular season and SEMO defeating the Golden Eagles, 3-1, in the OVC Tournament.
Details on the OVC Tournament will be announced at a later date.
Photo by Thomas Corhern
