Texas Tech Athletics
Northwestern State
Red Raiders Drop Northwestern State to Extend Winning Streak
September 02, 2011 | Women's Volleyball
The Red Raiders extended their winning streak to four-straight on Friday evening.
Sept. 2, 2011
Box Score | Notes | Photo Gallery 
| 
Highlights | Watch on YouTube
LUBBOCK, Texas - Texas Tech continued its momentum from earlier in the day en route to a 3-0 (25-15, 25-16, 25-17) victory over Northwestern State Friday evening in front of 1,203 fans at the United Spirit Arena.
The Red Raiders, who had previously swept Central Arkansas in the opening match of the Texas Tech Invitational, extended their winning streak to four-straight, matching the program's longest streak since early in the 2007 season.
"I think big picture there are a lot of great things coming out from what we do," Tech head coach Don Flora said. "Our rhythm was pretty good, and we're not making a lot of dumb errors offensive wise. I think that's a really significant piece for us, so that was really good to see today."
Similar to earlier in the day, the Red Raiders controlled the block, finishing with a 16-4 team advantage. Aubree Piper led all players with eight blocks, while Mikia Mills added seven stuffs, all assists, while Miara Cave posted six block assists of her own.
On the attack, Amanda Dowdy and Cave once again proved both reliable and accurate as Dowdy finished with a match-high 13 kills while Cave added eight of her own.
The duo combined for only five errors in the match as Dowdy finished with a .312 hitting percentage while Cave recorded a .400 average. Cave has hit .400 or better in every match this season. Tech wrapped the match hitting .256 as a team.
The Red Raider defense, meanwhile, was able to hold the Demons to a -.050 hitting percentage which marked the first Tech opponent to post a negative attacking mark since North Texas in the 2008 season opener.
Stacy DiFrancesco led the Demons with nine kills while Kelly Jimenez added seven of her own.
Dowdy led all Tech players with 13 digs, marking her second double-double of the day and fourth of the season. Tory Vaughan was also in double-digits with 10 digs.
Flora was able to insert several of his younger players into the lineup later in the match after the Red Raiders gained a suitable lead midway through the third set. Tech briefly showed a 6-2 formation, rotating regular setter Karlyn Meyers with Nicole Hragyil. Meyers wrapped the match with 27 assists and a pair of kills.
The Red Raiders will be looking for their fifth-straight win Saturday afternoon against Morehead State. No Tech squad has won five-straight since 2006.
First serve against the Eagles Is set for 2 p.m. at the United Spirit Arena. Tech can clinch a share of the tournament title with a win as the Red Raiders and UNLV both ended the day with a 2-0 record.
