Deckard Has Strong Performance in Blue Raider Losses

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Senior KeKe Deckard recorded 43 kills in two matches, as Middle Tennessee volleyball (0-4) dropped a pair of matches to Western Illinois and Kentucky Saturday at the T.J. Sayles Dr. Mary Jo Wynn Invitational on the SMS campus.

In the opening match of the day against Western Illinois, Deckard, an outside hitter, registered a season-high 25 kills and fellow senior Dara McLean had 14 in the loss. The Blue Raiders fell 3-0 (30-26, 30-28, 30-27) in yet another close trio of close games. Middle Tennessee suffered through 10 service errors in the match and had 23 hitting errors.

Later in the day, Middle Tennessee fell 3-1 (30-19, 31-29, 30-22, 30-27) in the Blue Raiders first four-game match of the year. The 31-29 win in the second game was the first time the Blue Raiders have won a game in 11 total games.

Deckard and freshman Tara Mikuzis led the way with 18 kills a-piece and Mikuzis also registered a double-double with 10 digs. Alicia Lemau'u also had 20 digs in the match.

The Blue Raiders return home on Friday September 10 to host the Middle Tennessee Invitational. Middle Tennessee opens the tournament by hosting in-state foe Chattanooga at 7 p.m. Other participants include Austin Peay and Toledo.

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