MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – The Tennessee State volleyball team battled throughout but could not overcome a balanced Middle Tennessee attack, falling in straight sets (17-25, 17-25, 17-25) on Tuesday evening inside the Murphy Center.

The non-conference matchup moved TSU to 1-17 on the season as the Tigers continue to show growth heading into their return to Ohio Valley Conference play.

Freshman Aliyah Harris paced the Big Blue offense with 10 kills and a .292 hitting percentage, while freshman Eirini Bitsaktsi anchored the defense with 10 digs. Senior setter Sagaia Reilly tallied 22 assists and added a pair of kills, while freshman Carsyn Stansberry led the serving game with two aces.

How It Happened

Set 1: Tennessee State came out strong offensively, hitting .458 with 13 kills, but Middle Tennessee capitalized late to take the first set, 25-17.
Set 2: The Tigers kept it close early, tying the set four times before the Blue Raiders pulled away for another 25-17 win.
Set 3: TSU continued to fight in the final frame, trading points through seven ties before MTSU sealed the sweep, 25-17.

Game Notes

» Freshman Aliyah Harris led the Tigers with 10 kills and hit .292 for the match.
» Senior Sagaia Reilly finished with a team-high 22 assists and added two kills.
» Freshman Eirini Bitsaktsi led the defense with 10 digs.
» Freshman Carsyn Stansberry recorded two service aces.
» TSU hit .458 in the opening set, showing offensive rhythm early.

The Tigers will turn their focus back to conference play as they travel to Tennessee Tech this weekend for a two-match OVC series. TSU and TTU will face off Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m. in Cookeville.