Blue Raider Volleyball Remains Undefeated in September

ST. LOUIS, Mo. - Middle Tennessee volleyball won its third straight tournament, sweeping the competition at the St. Louis Billiken Tournament on Saturday to extend its winning streak to 13 consecutive matches.

The Blue Raiders move to 14-1 on the season and remain undefeated in the month of September. Middle Tennessee completed the tournament on Saturday by defeating host St. Louis 3-1 (25-30, 30-23, 30-21, 30-28) in the morning match and then picked up its eighth shutout of the season with a 3-0 (30-19, 30-20, 30-21) victory over Oakland in the afternoon game.

Junior Andressa Lyra was named the Billiken Tournament MVP and sophomore Alicia Lemau'u was voted to the All-Tournament team.

"This was a very good weekend for the team," said Head Coach Matt Peck. "We played well and I am happy with where the team is right now."

St. Louis had a solid offensive output in game one as the Billikens pounded out a .349 hitting percentage to take the early 1-0 lead in. However, the Middle Tennessee attack picked up in game two as the Blue Raiders hit nearly .300 while holding SLU to .000. Middle Tennessee was even better in game three hitting .348. Game four was a closely contested through out, but the Blue Raiders held off the Billikens to win the match.

Lyra had 25 kills in the match and committed just five errors. Sophomore Victoria Monasterolo added a double double in the contest with 22 kills and 17 digs.

In the game against Oakland, the word dominance may be too soft of a word to explain the total control Middle Tennessee exerted over Oakland. The Blue Raiders hit a scorching .325 and held Oakland to just .072.

Lyra again led the Blue Raiders with 15 kills. Monasterolo added 11 kills.

The wins set up a huge match-up next Friday when the Blue Raiders open Sun Belt Conference play at Western Kentucky. The Toppers are 12-1.

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