Texas Tech University Athletics
Red Raider Volleyball: Week 1 Recap
August 16, 2010 | Women's Volleyball
Aug. 16, 2010
LUBBOCK, Texas - Week one of practices is done and over with for the Texas Tech volleyball squad as 17 student-athletes made the team for the 2010 season that is inching closer and closer to beginning on Aug. 27.
Before the Red Raiders could begin thinking about their opening weekend at the Rice Tournament, though, they first had to endure a full week of two-a-day practices. With a roster composed of seven newcomers joining 10 returning players, the team has had to undergo a slight adjustment period, which has gone well in the eyes of head coach Trish Knight.
"I think this season is going to be much better," Knight said. "The kids came in with a lot more enthusiasm and a lot of determination. We have more talent on the roster, so I think it's going to be a much better season."
Among the reasons for excitement is the level of success the incoming class of newcomers experienced in high school. All five freshmen advanced deep into the playoffs, with three (Sheridan Burgess, Aubree Piper, and Jenna Wagner) playing on state championship teams during their prep careers. Tech's two transfer players, Justine Young and Dravon Rangel, were also highly-sought after recruits coming out of high school. Young was named the Preseason Big 12 Newcomer of the Year last week.
Add these newcomers with an experienced group of returners that includes Preseason All-Big 12 selection Amanda Dowdy and the Red Raiders could have the right balance to improve in Knight's second season.
Following three-straight weekends on the road to open the season, Tech fans can get their first glimpse of the 2010 squad on Sept. 15 as the Red Raiders host Missouri at 7 p.m. in the United Spirit Arena.
VOLLEYBALL NOTEBOOK
"Bounce"
Following a rough first season, Knight coined the phrase "Bounce" as the team motto for this season. While the term could be used in various manners, Knight actually got the idea from the Keith McFarland book, Bounce: The Art of Turning Tough Times Into Triumph. Throughout the course of the week, the squad has read various chapters from the book and then later discussed the passages in what Knight hopes will help build resiliency. The term should be a popular saying in huddles and timeouts throughout the season.
Scrimmage set for Friday
The Red Raiders will take part in an inter-squad scrimmage Friday afternoon, beginning at 4:30 p.m. in the practice gym of the United Spirit Arena. The scrimmage should be finished by 6:30 p.m. as the team will be attending the soccer team's season opener later that night against TCU. The soccer match is scheduled for a 7 p.m. start at the John Walker Soccer Complex.
