University of Missouri
Texas Tech
Tigers Steal Victory From Red Raiders
9/19/2001 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Sept. 19, 2001
Columbia, Mo.--The University of Missouri volleyball team moved to 8-0 overall and 1-0 in the Big 12 with its win over Texas Tech on Wednesday night. The Tigers defeated the Red Raiders in four games, winning 30-27, 30-25, 26-30 and 31-29. The Red Raiders of Texas Tech fall to 6-3 overall and 0-1 in the Big 12.
Head coach Susan Kreklow said it was good for the Tigers to get back out on the court and get the season going again.
"We came out very focused and played with a lot of emotion but at the same time kept our composure when Tech would go on a run," Kreklow said. "Tech is a good squad and challenged us every step of the way."
In front of 1,049 fans, the seventh-largest crowd in school history, Texas Tech opened a 4-0 lead in game 1. However, Mizzou would reel TTU back in, take an 8-7 lead and eventually record the 30-27 triumph. Game 2 saw the two squads dead-locked at 21. The Tigers would end the game on a 9-4 run to take the game, 30-25. Lisa Morris and Christi Myers put down six kills each in the game.
The Tigers and Red Raiders again found themselves tied at 21 in game 3. However, TTU gave the Tigers a taste of their own medicine by closing the game with a 9-5 run to take the game. Game 4 was another dogfight as the Red Raiders actually had the Tigers by the throat, leading, 29-27. Mizzou stormed back with 4-0 run to win the game and the match.
Morris led the way for Mizzou by putting down 19 kills and picking up nine digs. She also registered a career high .400 hitting percentage on the evening (19 kills, one error, 45 attacks.) Myers was one of three other Tigers to reach double digits in kills with 16 while seniors Kristen Johnson and Krista Johnson pitched in with 12 and 11, respectively.
Mizzou was outstanding defensively in the back row. Seniors Katie Sowers and Naaron Branson each recorded 17 digs and classmate Rachael Taylor picked up 16.
The Tigers host No. 16 Texas A&M Saturday night in the Hearnes Center with first serve set for 7 p.m. For ticket information, call 1-800-CAT PAWS or 884-PAWS in Columbia.
