Blue Raiders take tournament title

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Middle Tennessee never lost control on Saturday as it took decisive wins over Murray State and Xavier to clinch the Middle Tennessee Invitational title.

The Blue Raiders took the win over Xavier 3-0 (25-22, 25-21, 25-21) to remain undefeated on the season. Middle Tennessee had taken a 3-0 win earlier in the day over the Racers.

Senior Leslie Clark and sophomore Stacy Oladinni were each named to the All-Tournament team after stellar performances with junior Izabela Kozon taking home the Most Valuable Player award after notching 46 kills on the weekend.

In the match with Xavier, Kozon had 15 kills and seven digs while Oladinni recorded 14 kills for a .407 hitting percentage.

As a team, Middle Tennessee had 50 kills and seven team blocks while holding Xavier to just 31 kills and three blocks.

"We needed a match like this and to play a team more like this. We had a few unforced errors and it was close but it was the best we played this weekend," head coach Matt Peck said.

Clark ended the night with 43 assists and added to the defense with three solo blocks and one block assist.

Middle Tennessee will play at home again next weekend as it plays host to the Blue Raider Bash. Georgia Tech, Northern Illinois, Northern Iowa and Ohio will all compete in the tournament.

Monique Mead, the sister of senior Ashley Mead is a freshman at Georgia Tech and could possibly be a starter for the Ramblin' Wreck in the tournament.

The Blue Raiders open the tournament with Georgia Tech at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4.

"Next weekend we will probably have a few more players in the mix. Four matches in a weekend is tough but I think we will handle it fine. We will get the biggest match of the weekend out of the way first in Georgia Tech which will be good," Peck said.

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