Middle Tennessee 2-3 Charlotte
The Blue Raiders took the floor on Friday evening to square off against the Charlotte 49ers. They also took the floor for the first time without, now former, head coach Matt Peck, who was relieved of his duties on Monday. Associate Athletic Director Diane Turnham will fill in and complete the season in attempts to enter the C-USA Tournament.
Change was apparent on the floor for the Blue Raiders. Rotation was more frequent and it seemed to be working as they jumped out to a quick lead. The Blue Raiders were also more vocal and united. They were in a rhythm and on the same page. It was back and forth throughout the first set and it came down the very end, but MTSU was able to seal the win with a clutch run at the end of the set.
Charlotte bounced back with aggression to begin the second set. Also, luck seemed to be on their side. It seemed as though they could do no wrong. They were able to stop the Blue Raiders in their tracks and continue to build upon their lead. It was a dominate performance by the 49ers and took the victory with ease, 25-14.
The 49ers carried their momentum coming out of intermission. The Blue Raiders were hanging with the 49ers for the entire set but could never get over the hump. The 49ers held the lead for the entire third set and sailed to victory once again.
The Blue Raiders buckled down and showed their strength in the fourth set. They regrouped and kept composure. Chelsea Ross was on fire. Every kill was vicious and the team fed off of it. A massive run aided the Blue Raiders to their second victory 25-18.
The Blue Raiders second set victory didn’t affect the 49ers in the slightest. They took command of the final set from the get go. The Blue Raiders fell behind and couldn’t catch up. They suffered a devastating 2-3 loss and the final set 15-12.
The Blue Raiders will enter a must-win situation at North Texas next Thursday. The C-USA matchup is slated to get underway at 7 p.m.
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To contact Interim Sports Editor Connor Ulrey, email sportseditor@mtsusidelines.com.
