COOKEVILLE, Tenn.- University of Southern Indiana Volleyball (8-20, OVC 3-13) failed to find an answer to the overwhelming Tennessee Tech University (21-7, OVC 10-6) outside attack, falling in three straight sets (20-25, 20-25, 20-25).
The loss mathematically eliminates the Eagles from Ohio Valley Conference contention as Tennessee State University improved to 5-11 and owns a tie breaker over the Eagles. Eastern Illinois University and TSU play each other next week for the eighth spot.
Set 1: USI 20, TTU 25
USI fell behind early but sophomore Ashby Willis helped bring the Screaming Eagles back with a strong kill down the line, trailing 10-12. Tennessee Tech swatted two monster blocks to extend their lead to four. Senior Paris Downing collected her third kill bring USI within one at 17-18. The Golden Eagles proceeded to make a 7-2 run, winning set one with 17 kills. TTU capitalized on seven crucial USI attacking errors.
Set 2: USI 20, TTU 25
Senior Jasmine Green returned after sitting out yesterday with back tightness and delivered a kill tying the match at 12. USI rallied for four-straight points capped off by a kill from junior Bianca Anderson as the Eagles led 14-12. However, TTU collected four of the final five points to gain a two-set lead. Senior Carly Sobieralski notched a double-double in only two sets with 19 assists and ten digs. The back breaker for the Eagles this weekend was their inability to win late in sets being outscored 22-8 in the final five points of each set.
Set 3: USI 20, TTU 25
Sophomore outside hitter Leah Coleman kept the Eagles close with two kills as the Eagles trailed, 12-14. USI continued to call the sophomores number with three more set kills. Anderson swatted back-to-back kills pulling within 20-22. The Golden Eagles proceeded to snatch the final three points sweeping the match.
Anderson led the Eagles with 11 kills, giving her 276 on the season at second best on the team. Sobieralski racked up 32 assists and 11 digs for her 24th double-double of the year. Junior Keira Moore snatched a team high 14 digs. Downing swatted three blocks.
As a team, USI finished with 37 kills, 36 assists, 53 digs, one ace, five blocks, and a .183 attacking percentage. The Golden Eagles earned 48 kills, 38 assists, 50 digs, eight aces, five blocks, and a .228 hitting percentage.
Next up for the Eagles
USI returns home for the season and home finale series against Morehead State University on Tuesday at 6 p.m. and Wednesday at 2 p.m.
