Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Blue Raider Volleyball Overpowers UAB in Three Sets

Date:

Share post:

The Blue Raiders (9-19, 5-9 C-USA) hosted University of Alabama-Birmingham (6-23, 3-11 C-USA) at Alumni Memorial Gym Sunday afternoon, taking a three-set sweep in the Senior night contest.

Led by junior Chelsea Ross, the Blue Raiders moved one win away from clinching a spot in the C-USA tournament.

The MTSU offense flowed through Ross, who finished the match with 15 kills, nine digs and six aces. Four other Blue Raiders finished the day with five kills a piece.

Helping facilitate the offense was freshman Haley Morton and senior Ailime de Freitas, as both recorded 18 assists each. Morton’s 20 assists per game streak ended today at three games.

Defensively, freshman Jacqueline Lux led the team with 13 digs. Seniors Eseta Maka, Monet Mashall and sophomore Jazmyne Johnson had three blocks. Freshman LaDaisha Gillard led the team with four blocks.

“Chelsea Ross had an outstanding match in the front and back row. I thought our two middles, Monet Marshall and LaDaisha Gillard, both played outstanding as well. We had a very good team effort today,” MTSU head coach Matt Peck said.

The Blue Raiders had lost four straight contests entering a matchup against Louisiana Tech Nov. 7.

MTSU followed up that 3-0 sweep over Louisiana Tech with another 3-0 sweep, this time against UAB.

With these back-to-back sweeps, Middle Tennessee has managed to sneak into the C-USA Tournament picture.

“Our team knew a chance to get to the conference tournament was on the line today, and they responded very well,” Coach Peck said.

After the game, seniors Eseta Maka, Marshall  and de Freitas were recognized for their years of hard work in the Blue Raider volleyball program.

The team hopes to continue their late season push as they travel Thursday to take on C-USA foe Charlotte in a match that may decide who ends up claiming the final Conference USA Tournament spot.

For more Blue Raider sports, follow us at www.mtsusidelines.com, on Facebook at MTSU Sidelines and on Twitter at @Sidelines_Sport

To contact sports editor Connor Grott, email sports@mtsusidelines.com

Related articles

MTSU volleyball falls to Belmont in exhibition play

Featured photo by Preston Todd Story by Conner Smith If you want more news like this, sign up for the Sidelines...

MTSU volleyball v. Belmont photo gallery

All photos by Preston Todd.

MTSU vs Ball State Gallery

All photos by Preston Todd

MTSU falls to WKU on second consecutive day

Featured photo by Savion Davis Story by Jordan McClendon MURFREESBORO, Tenn- Middle Tennessee volleyball lost to Western Kentucky for the...