Texas Tech Athletics
Missouri
Missouri Tops Texas Tech, 3-0, in Big 12 Opener
September 15, 2010 | Women's Volleyball
Sept. 15, 2010
LUBBOCK, Texas - Missouri survived a close first set and withstood Amanda Dowdy's match-leading 16 kills to top Texas Tech, 3-0 (26-24, 25-18, 25-21), Wednesday in both teams' Big 12 opener at the United Spirit Arena.
Backed by Dowdy's powerful right arm, Tech (2-8; 0-1) remained a threat throughout each set leading throughout parts of the first and third frames, but Missouri (9-2; 1-0) was able to capitalize at the right moments to end several of Tech's rallies and prevent any comeback attempt.
"I thought we played much better tonight," Tech head coach Trish Knight said. "I think we're definitely getting better, and we're doing some of the things it takes to win matches in the Big 12. Unfortunately, we just didn't close sets well tonight, and I think that is something the team will learn from and come back and hopefully play well against Kansas State on Saturday."
Playing in their first home match of the year, the Red Raiders were able to get off to a good start with an early 6-2 lead. The Tigers came roaring back, however, eventually taking a 16-14 lead that moments later turned into a 22-19 advantage. Tech took five of the next seven points to tie the match at 24 each, but Missouri was able to close the set with two-straight points.
The Tigers carried their momentum into the second set as Mizzou led throughout the frame, backed by a .351 attacking percentage. The Red Raiders'.073 attacking percentage in the set eventually came back to haunt them and end any chance of a rally.
Just as Knight had preached all season, Tech, even with the 2-0 deficit, did not surrender in the third set, battling point for point to take a 17-15 lead midway through the frame. Following a Missouri timeout with the score 20-18, the Tigers rallied to win seven of the match's final eight points to squash Tech's chances of prolonging the match.
In her first collegiate start at setter, Brandy Huskey posted her first career double-double as the freshman posted 32 assists to go along with a season-high 11 digs. Jackie Vincent and Tory Vaughan added 14 and 11 digs, respectively, to pace a Tech defense that played more error-free than its previous outing at the Rams Volleyball Classic.
Miara Cave and Barbara Conceicao both posted seven kills each for the Tech attack, while Aubree Piper added six of her own. Conceicao also recorded a match-high five blocks from her middle blocker position.
Julianna Klein led the Missouri offense with 15 kills, while Paola Ampudia added 13 kills as the duo finished with 28 kills combined off 57 attacks. The Tigers ended the match with a .315 attacking percentage.
The Red Raiders continue Big 12 action on Saturday afternoon as Kansas State comes to town for a noon first serve in the United Spirit Arena.
