Texas Tech University Athletics
Texas Tech Athletics
Texas
Tech Volleyball Drops Rival Texas
September 23, 2000 | Women's Volleyball
Sept. 23, 2000
LUBBOCK, Texas -- The Texas Tech volleyball team grabbed their first win over Texas since the 1992 season as the Red Raiders defeated the Longhorns 3-1 (15-8, 13-15, 15-11, 15-10) in Austin, Saturday afternoon.
"This was just a great win for us," said Tech head coach Jeff Nelson. "We were finally able to get the monkey off our backs and beat Texas. We fell behind 7-1 in that last game but the girls never gave up."
Texas Tech (13-1) took an early 3-0 advantage in the first game and extended their lead to 6-2. The Longhorns rallied in the game to tie the score at 6 but Tech pulled away from Texas thanks to seven Longhorn service errors. Tech won the game 15-8 with senior Colleen Smith leading the way with five kills and eight digs.
In game-two, the Red Raiders found themselves in a hole for the second straight conference match as Texas jumped out to a commanding 13-5 lead. Tech regrouped from the deficit and got within one (14-13) before Texas got a crucial sideout and then game point to win 15-13. At the intermission, Tech was led by sophomore outside hitter Melissa McGehee's 10 kills and nine digs. The Longhorns got nine kills and six digs from junior outside hitter Kathy Tilson.
The third game of the match was another seesaw battle as both teams traded leads until Tech jumped out to a 14-11 advantage and was able to hang on and win 15-11 to go ahead 2-1 in the match. Colleen Smith led Tech with five kills while Kate Jury picked up eight digs to lead the Tech defensive effort.
Texas took a 7-1 lead in game-four but Tech was able to rally and defeat Texas 15-10. With the win, Texas Tech improves to 13-1 on the year and 2-1 in Big 12 play while Texas drops to 3-6 and 2-2 in the Big 12.
The win over Texas marked the first win for the Red Raiders in Austin since Nov. 19, 1997 when Texas women's basketball head coach Jody Conradt was coaching the Texas volleyball team. The win was also Tech head coach Jeff Nelson's first of his career against the Longhorns.
