Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Middle Tennessee
Florida International
Blue Raiders Host FIU in Final Conference Home Match
10/28/2004 2:47:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
The Blue Raiders, 12-11, 6-3 SBC, need just one conference win, out of the next five, to secure their place in the Sun Belt Tournament on November 18-20 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Only the top eight teams get a bid to the tournament.
"Mathematically, we need just one more conference win to secure a spot in the tournament," said Head Coach Matt Peck. "Of course, we would like to end the regular season winning out, but our main concern right now is getting that one win and making the tournament."
The Blue Raiders will be facing an FIU team that is 3-17 overall and 2-7 in the Sun Belt. Florida International has conference wins over North Texas and Denver.
"Florida International is one of the scariest 3-17 teams in the country," Peck said. "They have some explosive players."
Middle Tennessee defeated the Panthers in Miami 3-1 on October 10. Blue Raider senior KeKe Deckard led the team with 23 kills against FIU and fellow senior Dara McLean added 18.
The Blue Raiders are looking to get a win over Florida International before ending their Sun Belt schedule on the road. After Friday's home game, Middle Tennessee's last four conference games are on the road, including a swing through Arkansas to face Arkansas-Little Rock and Arkansas State.
"A win over FIU would be huge for us," Peck said. "It would not only get us in the tournament, it would set the tone for our last five matches."
Senior's Deckard and McLean will be recognized before the match on Friday.
