The Golden Suns would not be denied in their return to Tucker Coliseum. A week after a disappointing outing in the West Florida Regional Crossover Tournament, Tech returned to its winning ways.

Saturday’s doubleheader began against Lyon College. The Pipers had been struggling after losing a five-set thriller to Christian Brothers and a three-set sweep at the hands of UAM. The Golden Suns would not ease their cause.

The Pipers fell to the Golden Suns in a three-set sweep thanks in no small part to nine service aces, three of which came from Laura Farney who leads the team in that statistic with 18 on the year. Tech also saw good performances from Sarah Von Lienen and Ashlynn Hamrick who each recorded nine kills in the victory.

Freshman middle blocker Brittany Ryan led the team with a career-high .667 hitting percentage and sophomore libero Brennae Benda recorded eight digs.

Against Champion Baptist, the Golden Suns knew they were the superior team, and they showed it. Tech won in three sets by a combined score of 75-17.

The Golden Suns seldom gave the Lady Tigers a chance to volley, racking up 19 aces in the win. That total is the highest in three years and ninth all-time in team history.

Kelly O’Malley torched Champion Baptist with eight aces, while freshman Flavia Canossa recorded an impressive five aces. Tech also got three aces from defensive specialist Ashley Camp. Carly Florian, another young Golden Sun, made an impressive showing with nine kills while hitting .562.

However, the player most dominant in the match was Hamrick. The junior right side hitter recorded 10 kills while hitting a career-best .833. Hamrick’s previous high was .824 set against Central Baptist in 2007.

The pair of victories improves Tech to 9-6 on the season and gives the Golden Suns a much needed confidence boost heading into conference play.

Tech plays the Muleriders of Southern Arkansas in Tucker Coliseum tonight at 7. The Suns are hoping to attract the largest crowd ever in GSC play at tonight's match.