Speedy and Skillful Saluqis Beat the Pioneers

By: Nick Kieser

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE — For the first road trip of 2019 the Vol State Pioneers (4-11) headed to Southwest Tennessee Community College (9-5) on Friday (Jan.18) to play the Saluqis.

The third-place Saluqis were fast and made creative plays to get the 101-67 win against the Pioneers.  And, in turn, this is a game the players want to erase from ever happening after that kind of score staring at them at the end of the game.

"We let them control the game and let them get into a running game which is our weak point. We know we can win and we just need to put things together. That's what helps us play with more confidence," said Jaden Chumley about the loss to the Saluqis.

In attendance at the game was the Saluqis baseball team and they did plenty of heckling.  Chumley was a product of the banter but according to him it did not really affect him all that much and, "I thought it was funny honestly," he said.

The chance for the Pioneers' baseball team to heckle will be on Wednesday, Feb. 13 when the Saluqis visit the Pioneers in Gallatin.

"We know what we need to do to get the job done and move up in the conference.  We're going to keep pushing and go a little harder each and every day," said Tim Goodrich.

The Pioneers will play the top-ranked team in the conference, Dyersburg State Community College Eagles, on January 19.  As for the Eagles latest game, they beat Motlow to take sole possession of first on January 18.

"They beat Motlow but we know we can beat them.  We know it's going to be a dogfight and we're going to be ready for anything.  Rebounding was our problem last night so we're going to have to go in and push the ball and play to our pace," said Goodrich.

Tip-off at Dyersburg is at 4 p.m. (Jan.19) and for news and updates follow the team on Twitter @VSCCPioneersMBB.