Despite strong performances from freshman Merideth Jewell and junior Sydney Schuler, the Morehead State volleyball team lost to Tennessee State in four sets on Saturday afternoon. They fell 17-25, 25-20, 26-28, 21-25.
The loss moves them to 6-6 in OVC play, while the Tigers improve to 7-5.
"This was a tough match of not capitalizing on opportunities," said head coach Jaime Gordon. "Credit TSU for grinding out points and controlling the tempo. Our defensive effort was solid, but our execution didn't give us enough offensive options. We need to re-establish the balanced offense that has been a key to our success."
After falling 25-17 in the first, the Eagles regained momentum in the second set. They led 20-16 late before TSU reeled off four straight to even it at 20. But, MSU responded by scoring the final five points of the set to close it out at 25-20 and even the match at one set each.
Then in the third, they jumped out to a 10-4 lead and led 22-14 late in the set. However, ahead 24-20, the Eagles were unable to finish off the Tigers. They had six shots at set point, but Tennessee State fought it off each time and eventually took the set, 28-26.
In the fourth, the Eagles led as late as 17-16, but TSU pulled away, finishing the match with a 25-21 set win.
Jewell led with way for Morehead State with a team-high 12 kills and 22 digs, while Schuler continued her strong play with 11 kills and four blocks. Junior Bailey Nichol finished with eight kills, 17 assists, and nine digs.
Morehead State recorded 49 kills on the match, compared to TSU's 46, but hit just .107 to the Tigers' .155.
The Eagles return home next weekend to host SIU Edwardsville on Friday night at 7 p.m. and Eastern Illinois on Saturday at 5 p.m. They then close out their home schedule on Tuesday night at 7 p.m. against EKU.
