Lyra Records Two Double Doubles as Blue Raiders Split Opening Matches

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - It was a draw for the Middle Tennessee volleyball squad (1-1) as the Blue Raiders won their opening match to Alabama A&M (0-2) 3-0 (30-28, 30-24, 30-19) and dropped the evening match to University of Texas-El Paso (2-0) (14-30, 30-19, 26-30, 25-30) Friday in Alumni Memorial Gym.

The 2005 Middle Tennessee volleyball season began a little past noon on Friday as the Blue Raiders took on Alabama A&M in the Middle Tennessee Invitational. Middle Tennessee got off to a slow start, but managed to take game one 30-28. The Blue Raiders took game two as well and led 2-0 going into the locker room.

Game three was a chance for redshirt freshman Megan Carter to shine as she helped the Blue Raiders close out the Bulldogs with three consecutive service aces for the win, ending the night with four total. Middle Tennessee was led by Andressa Lyra who recorded a double-double with 10 kills and 10 digs. Victoria Monasterolo also registered double figure kills with 10 as well.

"Overall, We just looked nervous out there," said Head Coach Matt Peck. "I think we played okay, but we need to work on not getting behind and having to try and find a way to come back."

The nightcap pitted Middle Tennessee against the visiting Miners of the University of Texas-El Paso. UTEP came out of the gate quickly and took game one 30-14. The Blue Raiders roared back in game two, taking the game 30-19 thanks to three straight kills by Monasterolo and Lyra capping the game off with a kill by Lyra off an assist by Megan Sumrell.

Middle Tennessee played it close in games three and four but couldn't seem to get close when it needed to. UTEP took game three 30-26 and game four 30-25. Lyra who recorded her second straight double double with 17 kills again led the Blue Raiders and 12 digs and Monasterolo also registered a double double with 11 kills and 16 digs.

Middle Tennessee returns to action on Saturday when the Blue Raiders play host to Tennessee State at 12:30 p.m. in Alumni Memorial Gym.

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