Texas Tech Falls in Big 12 Home Opener to West Virginia

Saturday, September 24

Lubbock, Texas

1:00 PM

Texas Tech Athletics

10-7, 0-2

West Virginia

9-6, 1-1

West Virginia

Texas Tech

Texas Tech Falls in Big 12 Home Opener to West Virginia

September 24, 2016 | Women's Volleyball

Box Score Box Score

The Red Raiders return to action Wednesday, Sept. 28, at Baylor.

LUBBOCK, Texas – Texas Tech Volleyball fell for the first time this season at United Supermarkets Arena, dropping its Big 12 home opener, 3-0, to West Virginia Saturday.

Texas Tech (10-7, 0-2) kept it tight through the midpoint of each set and led 22-20 in the second set before the Mountaineers rallied for the frame. The two squads were even at 12-12 in the first set and 13-13 in the third set before West Virginia pieced together runs that helped them gain the advantage. West Virginia (9-6, 1-1) hit a season best .361 to claim the 25-19, 25-23, 25-20 win.

"The difference was our ball control," head coach Tony Graystone said. "We weren't playing good, solid defense. It was a disappointing effort for sure. We have to play better. It's a tough thing when we have a young group that is trying to win at this level. We are going to have days like this. I get it, but I would like to see us fight a little more. Next time out, I think we will be better."

Despite the loss, several key pieces worked their way back into the lineup for the Red Raiders with senior setter Marguerite Grubb and freshman Toni McDougald back after missing Wednesday's match at TCU. Sophomore Sarah Redding returned after missing the last 14 matches, and junior Ashley Morgan received her first action of the season.

Mcdougald, senior Lauren Douglass and sophomore Katy Keenan led the Red Raiders in kills with seven each, while Douglass led the team with four block assists. Grubb connected on a match-high 29 assists. Reyn Akiu was solid on the backline with a match-high 15 digs, while junior Alyssa Ybanez added 10, respectively.

The loss moves the Red Raiders to 5-1 at home this season and marks the first time since 2013 the Red Raiders have started conference play without a win in their first two matches.

Texas Tech returns to action Wed., Sept. 28, when it travels to Waco to take on the Baylor Bears. The game will air on Fox Sports Southwest plus at 7 p.m.