By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Tech volleyball team kicks off a four-match road swing Sunday evening, squaring off with in-state rival Tennessee State in a 6:00 p.m. CT tilt in Nashville.
The second match of the weekend is scheduled for a 5:00 p.m. first serve on Monday, with the action slated to appear on ESPN+.
THE MATCHUPS
Sunday, March 14 – at Tennessee State, 6 p.m. | Live Stats
Monday, March 15 – at Tennessee State, 5 p.m. | Live Video | Live Stats
TEAM NOTES
Tech (4-6, 4-6) returns to action after facing an undefeated opponent for the second-straight week. After falling on the to Jacksonville State (10-0, 10-0) two times, the Golden Eagles returned home to meet Morehead State in the Hooper Eblen Center (10-0, 10-0).
The purple and gold came as close to victory as any team has this season against the Eagles, claiming a pair of sets in a close, 3-2 (25-21, 27-29, 20-25, 25-17, 15-10) loss. Morehead State took the second match-up between the programs, winning 3-0 (25-16, 25-20, 25-15) to stay unbeaten.
Leading the charge offensively this season for the Golden Eagles has been Preseason All-OVC selection Ali Verzani. The senior has racked up team-highs of 90 kills, 20 service aces and 121.0 points while also totaling 78 digs (second on the team) and 16 total blocks.
On the defensive side, middle blockers Taylor Dorsey and Skylar Boom have lived up to their positions in pacing the team in blocks. Dorsey, a Preseason All-OVC selection as well, owns a team-high 39 total rejections on the year while also adding 68 kills. Boom ranks just behind with 38 blocks, including a team-high 13 block solos, and is tied for second on the squad with 75 kills.
Rookie libero McKenna Young has kicked off her career in solid fashion, tallying a team-high 139 digs. Junior setter Ashley Hand leads the way with 327 assists on the year, averaging 9.08 per set.
SCOUTING THE TIGERS
(2020-21 record: 1-9, 1-9 OVC | Series Record: 47-18 | H: 24-8 | A: 22-10 | N: 1-0)
Tennessee State (1-9, 1-9) enters the weekend after claiming its first victory of the season, a 3-2 (18-25, 25-16, 21-25, 25-15, 15-9) triumph at Eastern Illinois. The Panthers exacted revenge against the Tigers in the second match, earning a 3-0 (25-20, 25-23, 25-23) win.
Aniya Williams leads the Tigers with 84 kills and 97.0 points while ranking second with 23 total blocks. Kendall Bullock has totaled 74 kills to rank second on the team while also registering 17 total blocks.
Tops on the team in blocks is Aria Holmes, posting 32 overall while also chipping in 50 kills. Kristian Marshall and Sofia Garcia-Guerrios split time at setter for Tennessee State, with Marshall leading the way with 165 assists. Garcia-Guerrios has 104 on the year. Gina Rivera Ortiz is the team's leader in digs, collecting 180 on the year.
Up Next
The Golden Eagles stay on the road to finish off a four-match swing away from Cookeville, making a visit to Murray State Sunday, Mar. 21 through Monday, Mar. 22, with match times slated for 6:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., respectively.
Photo by Jim Dillon
