LUBBOCK, Texas. – The Texas Tech Red Raider volleyball team (2-0) is set to face the Tarleton State Texans (3-0) in their home opener on Tuesday, Aug. 30 at 6 pm in the United Supermarkets Arena.
Tech is coming off a dominant weekend at the Irish Invitational after collecting wins against both Notre Dame and Milwaukee.
Against the Irish, both Kenna Sauer and Reese Rhodes collected double-doubles, while four Red Raiders – Maddie Correa, Maddie O’Brien, Rhodes and Sauer – all had double-digit digs. In addition, Rhodes was just two kills away from posting a triple-double after reaching 40 assists and 13 digs. Fifth-year senior Carrington Jones was a force at the net after collecting 8.0 blocks (two solo, six assisted).
In the win over Milwaukee, Sauer led the team with 11 kills. Two Red Raiders picked up career-bests in the match as Correa totaled 16 digs and Brooke Kanas hit .818 (nine kills on 11 attacks). Kanas also ranks third nationally in hitting percentage (.577) after this weekend. In the match, the Red Raiders also posted a .408 hitting clip with 47 kills on 98 attacks.
Several newcomers also made their debuts in the Red & Black this weekend as well Grace Betke, Lexie Collins, Currie Marusak, Paige Mooney and Brynn Williams all got playing time. As a team, the Red Raiders total 99 kills with 14.1 k/s and tally 93 assists, 11 aces, 111 digs and 17.0 blocks.
SCOUTING THE OPPONENT
Just like the Red Raiders, Tarleton State is coming off an undefeated weekend at the Texan Invitational, picking up wins against Fairleigh Dickinson, Northwestern State and the University of Louisiana Monroe. Only dropping one set in the tournament, the Texans collected 134 kills (13.4 k/s), 128 assists, 24 aces, 129 digs and 22.0 blocks (2.2 b/s) as a team.
The Texans are led offensively by junior outside hitter Grayson Schirpik, who tallied 35.5 points, 30 kills, five aces and 29 digs in three matches. Both Megan Haynes and Breanna McDonough were right behind with 26 and 25 kills, respectively.
On the defensive side, Ana Costas leads with 37 digs while Brianna Rhodes totaled 9.0 blocks. In addition, both Haynes and Ailie Hair also picked up 8.0 blocks apiece. Tech is looking for its fourth win against the Texans in program history as the two teams have only faced off three times prior to the match on Tuesday, with the Red Raiders prevailing in all three games.
FOLLOW ALONG
Follow TexasTechVB on Twitter for all the latest updates, including how to watch the game and follow the live stats. Tuesday’s will be streamed on ESPN+ and will also have live stats available.
TICKETS
Tickets to the match can be purchased here. Gates are set to open one hour prior to the match and the clear bag policy is in effect. Fans can head to the ticket office of the NW entrance starting one hour before the match to purchase tickets at the event.