The UTM volleyball team lost three more matches this weekend at Mississippi State. The Skyhawks fell to 0-7.

The Skyhawks started the weekend with a battle against Mississippi State that resulted in a 3-1 loss.

Rebecca Palmer, a sophomore from Chicago, Ill., led the Skyhawks with 13 kills. Jamie Fitzwater and Leigh Reiniche both added offensively with 12 kills each.

The Skyhawks were defeated by Southern Mississippi 3-0.

Fitzwater led the team with eight kills and Reiniche had a great defensive game with 15 digs.

“Leigh’s all-around play, drive and determination were excellent this weekend,” said head volleball coah, Chris Rushing. “She really contributed to getting the team ready to play.”

The third match against Austin Peay resulted in 3-0 loss but it gave the Skyhawks an idea of what they can expect in the OVC this season.

“Austin Peay will be very competitive in our conference this year,” Rushing said.

Palmer had 10 kills from 15 attempts leaving her with a .533 hitting percentage against Austin Peay.

Michelle McCormick, a senior walk-on, served well with two serving aces.

“Michelle came in and did a nice job off the bench,” Rushing said.

“We had three players out because of injury or illness and that hurt our momentum from last weekend,” Rushing said. “We also played teams with good ball control that don't make very many mistakes.”

Palmer was the only one from UTM to make the all-tournament team this weekend. Palmer set a school record by being in the top 20 hitting percentages for a single game against Austin Peay.