By: David Chamberlain// Contributing Writer
Middle Tennessee Invitational
VCU 3-0 Middle Tennessee
The Blue Raiders opened up the Middle Tennessee Invitational against Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Middle showed determination early in the first, but ultimately lost ground, losing the first set 25-20.
VCU’s momentum carried them into the second set. It didn’t matter where or how the Raiders attacked, VCU‘s defense was impenetrable and the Rams went up 13-5 early in the second. VCU didn’t falter at all in the second set, cruising to a 25-21 set win, and a 2-0 lead.
The Blue Raiders came out flatter than ever in the third set, falling behind early, losing the set 25-21 and the match 3-0.
Kansas State 3-0 Middle Tennessee
The Raiders played Kansas State in the second match Saturday. Kansas State jumped all over Middle Tennessee early, not letting up at all, taking the first set with ease 25-12.
Chelsea Ross put the responsibility and weight of the offense on her shoulders as she scored the first 4 points for the Raiders in the second set.
The difference in the second set was Makila York and LaVondria Covington’s defensive presence and chemistry. Their chemistry sharpened in the second set and that was a huge turning point for Middle Tennessee. However, Kansas state would respond with a massive run of their own and win the set 25-22, putting the Wildcats up two sets.
The luck only got worse for the Blue Raiders, who seemed to be out of sync offensively. Middle Tennessee would drop their second straight of the invitational, losing the third set 25-18.
Missouri State 3-0 Middle Tennessee
The story remained the same as Middle Tennessee took on Missouri State on Sunday. The Blue Raiders fell flat early, still searching to win their first set of the weekend. The Bears kept Middle Tennessee at bay late in the first set, taking the lead with the 25-23 win.
Missouri State found their rhythm as the match went on, taking the last two sets with ease 25-16 and 25-21. The loss was the eighth straight for the Blue Raiders, and the team is on a 16-set losing streak as well.
Chelsea Ross finished the weekend with 36 kills, leading the team, and Jacquelin Lux anchored the defense with 43 digs.
UP NEXT: Middle Tennessee faces Seattle University at home on Monday, and opens C-USA play on Wednesday against UAB.
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To contact sports editor Michael Ward email sports@mtsusidelines.com.
