Tech Prepares for Tough Competition On East Coast

Thursday, September 14

Athens, GA.

6 PM

Texas Tech Athletics

Georgia

Tech Prepares for Tough Competition On East Coast

September 13, 2017 | Women's Volleyball

Game Notes WatchESPN at UGA Live Stats at UGA WatchESPN at CU Live Stats at CU Live Stats - Clemson Challenge

Red Raiders to face Georgia, Clemson, South Carolina, Georgia Southern on roadtrip

LUBBOCK, Texas – Texas Tech volleyball will take on a slew of power conference opponents this weekend in its final tune up before Big 12 play ramps up next week.

The Red Raiders visit Athens, Ga., for a matchup with Georgia Thursday, Sept. 14, at 6 p.m. CT. Tech then heads to the Clemson Challenge to take on Clemson Friday at 6 p.m. CT, prior to a Saturday doubleheader featuring South Carolina at 9 a.m. CT and Georgia Southern at 3 p.m. CT.

Tech and Georgia will be televised on SEC Network Plus, while Tech and Clemson will air on ACC Network Extra. Both channels are available at watchespn.com and on the WatchESPN app.

With trips to the Gulf of Mexico and the West Coast already under its belt, Texas Tech heads to the East Coast to challenge an SEC opponent for the first time since 2010. Similarly, Tech's match against Clemson will mark its first against an ACC foe since 2012.

Texas Tech (8-1) claimed the Red Raider Classic last weekend to wrap up a 4-0 homestand in which it swept all four opponents. Sophomore outside hitter Emily Hill was named tournament MVP while senior defensive specialist Kate Klepetka and sophomore outside hitter Chandler Atwood were all-tournament selections.

For the latest news and updates about Texas Tech volleyball, follow the team on Twitter and Instagram at @TexasTechVB and stay tuned to www.TexasTech.com.

TECH NOTES

Tech and Georgia were originally scheduled to tee off Wednesday, but severe weather conditions forced the match to be rescheduled for Thursday
Texas Tech enters the match at Georgia winners of 12 straight sets
Tech currently sits at third in the Big 12 standings with an 8-1 overall mark, its strongest start since 2014
The Red Raiders are second in the Big 12 in kills per set (14.26)
Outsides Chandler Atwood and Emily Hill lead the team in kills
Middles Katy Keenan and Allison White lead the team in attack efficiency
Junior Tita Akiu ranks second in the Big 12 in digs per set (4.97)
Junior Missy Owens ranks second in the Big 12 in assists per set (10.97)

ABOUT GEORGIA: The Bulldogs (8-2) travel to take on Kennesaw State Wednesday prior to their matchup with Tech. Georgia is 4-0 at home in 2017 under the direction of first year head coach Tom Black. Freshmen T'ara Ceasar and Kendall Glover along with setter Meghan Donovan have already received SEC weekly honors this season. Tech holds a 3-1 advantage all-time against the Bulldogs, including a four-set win in the last meeting in 2005.

ABOUT CLEMSON: The Tigers (4-5) are coming off a pair of losses at the Auburn Invitational, but are 3-1 at home this season under first year head coach Michaela Franklin. Clemson returned nine players from 2016 and added seven newcomers, including two transfers, to the roster for 2017. Tech is 2-0 all-time against Clemson with 3-1 wins in 2002 and 2003.

ABOUT SOUTH CAROLINA: The Gamecocks (5-4) are under the direction of seventh year head coach Scott Swanson. Carolina finished 18-12 in 2016, including a 6-12 conference mark. Sophomore Mikayla Shields was a preseason All-SEC pick and leads the team with 4.2 kills per set for a total of 140 kills on .361 hitting to go with 23 blocks. Tech is 1-1 all-time against South Carolina and swept the last matchup in 2000.

ABOUT GEORGIA SOUTHERN: The Eagles (2-4) have been shorted five matches thus far in 2017 thanks to Hurricane Irma. Fifth year head coach Dustin Wood returned 14 letterwinners from a 2016 squad that went 15-18 and 7-9 in Sun Belt play. Tech is 1-0 all-time against Georgia Southern and swept the last matchup in 1997.

LOOKING AHEAD
The Red Raiders open Big 12 play next week with a midweek trip to Baylor. Tech will take on the Bears in Waco Wednesday at 7 p.m. on FOX Sports Southwest.