Texas Tech University Athletics
Tech Takes On Top Ranked Nebraska
September 17, 2004 | Women's Volleyball
Sept. 17, 2004
LUBBOCK, Texas - The Texas Tech volleyball team has quite a feat in front of them as they take on the No.8 Nebraska Cornhuskers Sat., Sept. 18, at 7 p.m. at the United Spirit Arena. Tech (5-2, 1-0 Big 12) is on a four-game winning streak, but will look to rely on its balanced offense rather than momentum to defeat the Huskers (6-1, 1-0 Big 12).
The Red Raiders are coming off a hard fought win against the Oklahoma Sooners 3-1 this past week in the team's Big 12 opener. Tech snapped a eight-game winning streak for the Sooners who were off to their past start in school history.
The Huskers are coming off a sweep against Missouri in their Big 12 opener in front of a sellout home crowd. Nebraska is on a two-game road trip that begins in Lubbock, Texas, and ends in Boulder, Colo., against the Colorado Buffaloes.
Tech will look to shut down Nebraska's two top players in Melissa Elmer and Jennifer Saleaumua. Saleaumua is second on the team in kills (3.21) and digs (3.92) while middle blocker Elmer is second on the team with 1.58 blocks per game. While these Huskers don't lead Nebraska in their respective positions, its their junior leadership that makes them Nebraska's go to players.
Tech's led by senior Kelly Johnson and junior Desiree Batista with 3.96 and 2.92 kills per-game, respectively. Batista also paces the Red Raiders with 3.16 digs per-game and 15 aces on the year. Junior Brianna Florus leads all Tech net players with 1.16 blocks per-game, while senior Laura Grote leads Tech's 6-2 offense with 8.58 assists per game.
Tech will not rely on its momentum to upset the Huskers; rather it will be Tech's balanced attack that will make them dangerous this weekend. Four Red Raiders registered double-digit kills in Tech's win against the Sooners, even though the Sooners' out blocked Tech 32-14. This marks the second time in four matches the Red Raiders have had three or more hitters record double-digits. Tech after its first three matches switched to a two setter offense from their 5-1 season approach, leading to a 4-0 match record ever since.
The match will begin at 7 p.m. on Saturday and can be followed on gametracker through Texas Tech's website at www.texastech.com. Gametracker is a free service offered for every home game from here on out and can be accessed by going to Tech volleyball's home page off the Tech website. Click on the 2004 Schedule link and then click on game tracker.
For tickets to Texas Tech volleyball, please contact (888) GO-BIG-12 or (806) 742-TECH or stop by the Texas Tech Athletic Ticket Office in the north end of Jones SBC Stadium. Tickets also can be purchased through the Texas Tech athletic website at www.texastech.com and at area United Supermarket and Select-a-Seat locations.
