University of Missouri
Texas Tech
Tigers Trounce Tech
11/4/2000 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Nov. 4, 2000
Columbia, Mo. - The University of Missouri volleyball team picked up its 20th win of the season Saturday night, sweeping the Texas Tech Red Raiders, 15-12, 15-10, 15-11. The victory marks the first time a Tiger team has won 20 matches in a season since 1992. Mizzou improves to 20-4 overall and 11-4 in the Big 12.
In what proved to be a very historical night, Mizzou senior Heather Gerber tied Cindy Atterberrry's ('92) MU school record for most assists in a three-game match, handing out 63. Gerber became Mizzou all-time leader in the assist category on Sept. 8 against Morgan State and now has 4,655 career assists. Gerber led the Tigers to a .358 hitting percentage on the night while MU held Tech to just .234. The Tigers also played in front of the second-largest crowd in school history (1,484) and have hosted seven of the largest crowds in MU history this season.
MU came out on fire in all three games taking leads of 6-2 in game one, 7-1 in game two, and 11-5 in game three. Tech hung around and made it interesting in all three games but the Tigers were able to put the Red Raiders away, avenging a five-game heart breaking loss to Tech on Sept. 27.
"We were very pleased with the way we played tonight," Head Coach Susan Kreklow said. "We played with a lot emotion and intensity. We can definitely build on this match as the season continues."
Mizzou used its trademark, a balanced offensive attack, with solid serving to grab the win. Four Tigers reached double figures in kills for the match including junior Narron Branson who recorded her second double-double of the season with 16 kills and 15 digs. Sophomore Lisa Morris just missed her eight double-double of the season, recording a match-high 22 kills and picked up nine digs.
Sophomore Christi Myers and freshman Ashlee Johns pitched in with 11 and 10 kills, respectively. Myers posted a match-high five total blocks. Junior Kristen Johnson also made her first appearance in the Tiger line up since going down with a left knee injury in the Kansas match on Oct. 11 in Columbia. Johnson made her presence felt, putting down seven kills in two games.
Texas Tech falls to 20-6 on the year and 8-6 in the Big 12. TTU was led by senior Colleen Smith's 22 kills.
The Tigers to Manhattan, Kansas, to take on Kansas State (16-6, 10-4 in the Big 12) on Wednesday. Mizzou welcomes Texas to town on Saturday with action being held at Rock Bridge High School in southeast Columbia. For ticket information, call 1-800-CAT PAWS.
