Texas Tech University Athletics
Volleyball Finds Success in First Spring Tournament
March 25, 2012 | Women's Volleyball
March 25, 2012
LUBBOCK, Texas - Playing in its first competitive action of the spring, the Texas Tech volleyball team went 4-2-2 at Saturday's tournament held inside the United Spirit Arena.
"It was real-time volleyball," said Tech head coach Don Flora, who was opening his second spring with the program. "We had an excellent day of learning, getting out of our comfort zone and playing with new people in a new rhythm."
Besides being Tech's first of several tournaments this spring, it was also the Red Raiders first set of matches without departed seniors Karlyn Meyers and Amanda Dowdy.
Instead, Flora inserted redshirt freshman Tory Jobe and returning sophomore Nicole Hragyil into the lineup, giving both their first significant action at the setter position. The tournament also marked the debuts of Ciara Gibson and Kelly Chiffer after both redshirted last year along with Rachel Brummitt who transferred to Tech prior to the spring semester.
The Red Raiders, who were also without three-year starter Miara Cave on the right side, used its entire roster on the day as Tech played four matches as a full squad before splitting up for four "split-squad" matches.
"There is a lot to learn from today since we all played a lot," Flora added. "Everyone received a ton of court time and it was great to see people step up and compete. We will get back into the gym this week and keep growing in our individual and team skills."
The Red Raiders continue their spring next weekend, traveling to Albuquerque, N.M. for a tournament at the University of New Mexico.
