The Tech volleyball team travels to Bowling Green, Ky. this weekend to compete in the Western Kentucky Invitational. The tournament kicks off with the Golden Eagles playing the University of Missouri this morning at 11:30. Tech will then play Central Arkansas at 4:30 p.m. and will finish up the tournament tomorrow afternoon against host Western Kentucky.
Senior, and newly-named captain, Melanie Culp is excited about the tournament games.
“This is the hardest tournament we will have played in so far, but I expect to do well in it,” Culp said.
“We never play weak teams,” said Culp, “If we practice like we are going to play, we have every chance of beating all three teams.”
With eight games completed so far, the team’s record stands at 2-6, but they have high hopes in placing well in the tournament.
“Our season has started off better than it has for a while,” Culp said. “We have five freshmen, so it has been a learning experience. We all learn from each other and get along great.”
Being the sole captain of the team, Culp knows that it is her responsibility to keep the team playing well.
“You have to be a leader on and off the court, be an example for the team, and be the mediator between the coaches and the players,” she said. “I’m not really a pushy person, so I’ve had to work on that and also on being more vocal for my team.”
The Golden Eagles are projected to finish fifth in the Ohio Valley Conference this season, but Culp said that the team has higher goals set for the season.
“We really hope to win the OVC. We have the talent, we have the determination, so it’s a very good possibility that we will win it,” Culp said.
The next home volleyball match will be Sept. 24. As with all regular-season games, admission is free to the public.
