Blue Raiders look to get back on track in Milwaukee

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - The road doesn't get any easier for the Middle Tennessee volleyball team as the Blue Raiders will be taking part in the Marquette Challenge this weekend, taking on host Marquette and ninth-ranked Minnesota in Milwaukee, Wis.

"Of course, our emphasis this weekend is to get things turned around," head coach Matt Peck said. "We've played some great matches this year, but lost. We had a very good week of practice, and if we can manage to do a few things better, I think we should have what it takes to win one or both of these matches."

The Blue Raiders are entering the weekend with a 2-6 record, falling to third-ranked Illinois, Tulsa and Cal Poly last week. However, head coach Matt Peck sees a number of positives from the play of the team, especially offensively.

"We have a very physical team this year," Peck said. "When we're in system, I think that we might be one of the best teams in the country. We just have to focus and work a bit harder on our defense and serving."

The trio of Oyinlola Oladinni, Lindsay Cheatham and Ashley Adams all rank among the top five in the Sun Belt in attack percentage. Oladinni, who ranks among the all-time school leaders at .347 for her career, is leading the nation in the statistic at a scorching .490 rate.

The Blue Raiders will have to utilize that efficient attack to take down both Marquette and Minnesota. The Golden Eagles are coming into the weekend with an 8-4 record, and Minnesota will be the third top 15 team the Blue and White have faced this season.

Middle Tennessee will open play with Marquette on Friday evening at 7 p.m. before playing against Minnesota at 5 p.m. on Saturday.

Follow the Blue Raiders on Twitter @MTAthletics for continued updates.