Blue Raiders earn five-set victory from Old Dominion

Sunday, February 21

Murfreesboro, TN

1:00 PM

Middle Tennessee

-13,11 CUSA

Old Dominion

-33,12 CUSA

Old Dominion

Middle Tenn.

2/21/2021 4:34:00 PM | Women's Volleyball

Box Score Match Book Cumulative Stats

By: @MTAthletics

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Middle Tennessee used a remarkable attack to secure its first volleyball win of the season as it took down Old Dominion in five sets at Alumni Memorial Gym Sunday.

It looked as though the Blue Raiders (1-3, 1-1) may ease to victory after earning a 25-18 decision in the first set and capturing a 25-19 win in the second; however, the Monarchs (3-3, 1-2) rallied to even the match 2-2 and force a decisive fifth set. They took the third set, 25-23 and held off Middle Tennessee, 25-21, in the fourth.

Middle Tennessee jumped out to an early 6-1 advantage in the fifth set and was never tested on its way to a 15-5 clincher.

"I was pleased with how our players maintained their composure to earn this victory," Blue Raider head coach Chuck Crawford said. "We played well all around today. Taylor Eisert did a great job setting and our attack was very sound."

Eisert totaled 54 assists and had a 46 percent effort. Her strong play helped set up Middle Tennessee for strong attack play. The Blue Raiders were a strong 37 percent in hitting percentage, led by Amelia Van Der Werff at a sterling 47 percent. She had 10 kills in 14 total attempts.

Dasia Smith was also outstanding at the net with 15 kills in 27 chances for a 48 percent clip. Samira Lawson Body and Kayla Henley were also impressive. Lawson Body finished with 14 kills and had a 33 percent showing, while Henley totaled 13 kills and had a 32 percent clip.

The two teams will battle again Monday at 1 p.m. at the Alumni Memorial Gym.