Line-Up Shuffle Pays Off in Lady Raider Volleyball Win

Murfreesboro, Tenn. - A line-up change paid off for the Middle Tennessee Lady Raider volleyball team as they defeated Sun Belt opponent South Alabama 30-23, 30-15, 25-30, 30-22 Friday night in Murphy Center.

Middle Tennessee has been running a six-two all season, but earlier in the week Head Coach Lisa Kissee decided to change to a five-one, running only one setter, to gain more help on defense. This put setter Kelly Quinn in a more defensive role, and gave to setting duties solely to sophomore Goldie Bilyeu.

The results were evident by the win and it also propelled Bilyeu to have a banner night as she posted 55 assists, which is a career high for her. Quinn only had one assist on the night, which is rough for a player who is now only two assists shy of the 2000 assists club.

"I was put into the game tonight to help on defense and passing," Quinn said. "It has been fun learning my new role this week, but also difficult."

Middle Tennessee had a strong night on the court as the team had a hitting percentage of .327. Freshman Shakeithia Deckard led all scorers with 23 kills and Katie Thiesen followed with 13 kills. Junior Erin Hillstrom posted her second straight double-double with 12 kills and 11 digs.

Action begins again tomorrow for the Middle Tennessee as the Lady Raiders host Sun Belt foe New Orleans. Game time is set for 4 p.m. in the Murphy Center.

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