Texas Tech University Athletics
Tech Spikers Kick Off Big 12 Play
September 11, 2007 | Women's Volleyball
Sept. 11, 2007
LUBBOCK, Texas -
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Big 12 Time
After a 6-3 record in tournament action, Texas Tech will entertain Colorado Wed. to open up Big 12 Conference play. Saturday, the Red Raiders will welcome top-ranked Nebraska to the United Spirit Arena. First serve for both matches is set for 7 p.m. Gametracker stats will be available for both contests.
Last Time Out
Sept. 8, 2007 Tech fell to Syracuse 3-1 (32-30, 25-30, 25-30 and 28-30) Saturday to conclude the Big Orange Tournament in Syracuse, N.Y. The Red Raiders finished the tournament in second place.
Orange Wrap Up
TTU finished the Big Orange Tournament with a 2-1 record after beating Fordham and Princeton and losing to host Syracuse in four games.
Tech's attack percentage was .302 over the three matches in N.Y., compared to .232 heading into the tournament. The Red Raiders also averaged 17.5 kills per game, 3.2 kpg more than what they averaged going in.
Junior Michelle Flores was the only Tech player named to the all-tournament team. The San Juan, Puerto Rico, native finished with 50 kills on .341 hitting in 11 games (4.55 kpg). She also had five blocks.
Even though she was not named to the all-tournament team, Amy Gandy had a solid weekend with 30 kills (2.73 kpg), 22 digs and 10 blocks from her middle blocker position.
Tech vs. Colorado
Wednesday's match with the Buffs will mark the 23rd meeting between the two teams. Colo. leads the series 19-3 and has won the last three meetings. TTU last beat the Buffs on Oct. 8, 2005, when the Red Raiders squeaked out a 3-2 victory in the United Spirit Arena. They lost both contests 3-0 last season.
Scouting the Buffs
Colo. brings a 5-3 record into United Spirit Arena Wed. night. The Buffs are hitting .273 as a team with 1,027 kills (13.96 kpg). Outside Hitter Mallori Gibson leads the way with 119 kills (4.25 kpg) on .268 hitting. Defensively, opponents are hitting just .192 against Colo.
Tech vs. Nebraska
The defending-national champion Huskers have dominated the series, winning 26 of the 27 meetings with Tech. TTU last beat Nebraska on Oct. 26. 1996, when Jeff Nelson was at the helm and Nancy Todd was in her first season as an assistant. NU has taken the last 21 contests between the two.
Scouting the Huskers
Defending national-champion Neb. will enter the United Spirit Arena ranked No. 1. The Huskers boast an undefeated 7-0 record under the reigns of John Cook. They are led by returning reigning AVCA National Player of the Year Sarah Pavan and outside hitter Christina Houghtelling.
Big 12 Openers
The Red Raiders are 4-6 in their last 10 conference openers. They have lost thier last two Big 12 openers. Tech's last conference-opener win was 2003 when it beat Colorado 3-1.
