MT Travels to Rice and WKU to Compete This Weekend

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – The Blue Raiders (4-12, 0-2) started the conference schedule with a setback from UAB and Marshall at the Alumni Memorial Gym this past weekend. The team looks to bounce back on the road with matches versus Rice and WKU on Friday at 6 p.m. and Sunday at 12 p.m.

Match Information:
Friday, Sept. 29 at 6 p.m. versus Rice | Houston, Texas | Live Stats | Live Stream
Sunday, Oct. 1 at 12 p.m. versus WKU | Bowling Green, Ky. | Live Stats | Live Stream

During the last match, sophomore Dora Peonia paved the way offensively for the Blue Raiders tallying 32 kills over the weekend. Likewise, junior Makila York chipped in with 20 kills to hit on a .316 clip.

Sophomore setter Taylor Hammill expanded upon her primary setter role at the service line. The Greenwood, Ind. product has inked 23 service aces on the season to top the Conference USA charts for total service aces alongside Southern Mississippi junior Kylie Grandy and UAB senior Erika Zembyla. Hammill currently ranks among the top 50 in total service aces this season among Division I competitors, currently holding the 43rd spot.

Scouting the Opponents:
The Rice Owls (11-5, 1-1) ended its non-conference slate with a five match winning streak en route to an 11-5 preseason record. However, the squad ended its streak at the start of conference play falling in a five set match against UTEP. The team's attack leans heavily on freshman Nicole Lennon and sophomore Grace Morgan who combine for nearly half the team's attack attempts and kills.

Middle Tennessee is 2-4 overall against the Owls with Rice taking the last two matches over the Blue Raiders. Last time out, the Owls clinched a straight set win over the Blue Raiders in the Alumni Memorial Gym.

WKU is 15-2 overall and have won all four matches played in the E.A. Diddle Arena this season. The Lady Toppers pave the way offensively in Conference USA play recording the highest team hitting percentage (.336) of the year. Senior Alyssa Cavanaugh leads the squad in kills (4.20/set) and is second in hitting percentage (.402). Similarly, sophomore Emma Kowalkowski paces the Toppers defense recording 175 (2.97/set) digs on the year.

The Blue Raiders are 15-46 against the Lady Toppers with WKU recording the last eight wins over Middle Tennessee.

Up Next:
After a weekend on the road, the Blue Raiders will return to the Alumni Memorial Gym to host conference foes LA Tech and FAU.

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Players Mentioned

Taylor Hammill

Dora Peonia

Makila York

Middle Tennesee State University Athletics