Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Middle Tennessee
South Alabama
Blue Raiders Open SBC Play with a Win
9/22/2006 9:14:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Middle Tennessee volleyball (10-4, 1-0 SBC) opened Sun Belt Conference play with a 3-0 (30-21, 30-28, 30-28) victory over South Alabama (5-8, 0-1 SBC) Friday in Alumni Memorial Gym.
The Blue Raiders had to play from behind in games two and three of the match.
In game two, Middle Tennessee looked to be on the ropes as South Alabama was up 21-26 on the Blue Raiders. A kill by Victoria Monasterolo started the comeback for the Blue Raiders as Middle Tennessee went on a 6-1 run to tie the game at 27. A kill by Ashley Adams tied the match and an error by South Alabama allowed the Blue Raiders to take the lead. An attack error by South Alabama gave Middle Tennessee game two.
It was another back and forth game in the game three until South Alabama was able to claw out a 28-25 lead and then it was time for Middle Tennessee to go into comeback mode again. Again a kill by Monasterolo started the rally and four straight kills by senior Jessica Robinson secured the game and the match for the Blue Raiders.
Middle Tennessee ended the match with a .265 attack percentage and allowing South Alabama a .206. The Blue Raiders had 50 kills in the match and recorded six service errors.
Adams and Monasterolo led the squad with 11 kills a piece as Monasterolo recorded a double-double with 11 digs as well. Setter Leslie Clark had 35 assists and Alicia Lemau'u led both squads with 14 digs.
Middle Tennessee returns to action on Saturday hosting Troy. Match time is set for 7 p.m. in Alumni Memorial Gym.
