UT-Martin takes 3-1 win over Wright State
Published: Sunday, September 2, 2012
Updated: Wednesday, September 5, 2012 23:09
 "Photo: Aimee Bilger")
Aimee Bilger
 "Photo: Aimee Bilger")
Aimee Bilger
 "Photo: Aimee Bilger")
Aimee Bilger
 "Photo: Ashley Burton")
Ashley Burton
Members of the UTM Volleyball team set up in the UC the week before the UTM Invitational to sign posters for Skyhawk fans.
MARTIN, TENN. - The UTM Volleyball Invitational, sponsored by First State Bank and The Hospitality House of Union City, got off to a great start on Sept. 1 in the Skyhawk Fieldhouse.
UTM took a quick win against the Wright State Raiders, 3-1 (25-21, 25-11, 21-25, 25-12). Starters for the game were freshman Lynsey Hazelwood of Louisville, KY; sophomore Emily Keaton of St. Charles, MO; freshman Shelby Hoskins of New Albany, IN; senior Kasey Elswick of Louisville, KY; freshman Amanda Crask, Louisville KY; sophomore Jackie Harter of Manchester, MO and freshman Dallas Zimmerman of Louisville, KY.
As the game began in the Elam Center, the room smelled of fresh popcorn and was crowded with parents and friends, smiling with excitement.
The announcer spoke with southern hospitality as he introduced the opponents. The crowd stood and cheered as he introduced the UTM starting lineup, setting the atmosphere for a high-impact match.
The Skyhawks took the noted circle of encouragement each with one hand lifted, showcasing their unity as a team.
The game opened up at 1:15 p.m. with a powerful serve from freshman Amanda Crask. The Raiders responded with a high spike for the first point of the game against UTM. Keaton followed up with the first point for the Skyhawks, tying the score 1-1. UTM showed that playing together would indeed get the game won. Play after play, the Skyhawks refused to let up on the Raiders who continued to trail by 3.
The Skyhawks kept the scoreboard moving with Hoskins gaining 8 points into a 22-19 lead in the first set. By the end of the first set, the points fell towards UTM, 25-21.
The second set started with what felt like a continuation of the first set, as the Skyhawks took off with a 5-point lead. The Skyhawks decided to take it all the way ending with a 14 point lead, 25-11. With victory in their grasp, the Skyhawks went into half time with two sets won.
Going into the third set, after half time, the Raiders tried getting back into the game by shaking the Skyhawks with a 4-point lead, ending the third set 21-25.
The Skyhawks displayed strength and endurance as they proceeded into the fourth set. Putting all they had into their game, the Skyhawks took on a 10-point lead. Kill after kill, the score reached 19-9 as the crowd began to fill the room with cheers of support.
The Raiders tried to stand their ground, but it wasn’t enough to shake down the Skyhawks who finished the final set 25-12. This concluded the game 3-1 in favor of UTM, showing the hard work and dedication of the Skyhawks.
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