Texas Tech Athletics
13-12,5-8Big 12
University of Houston
11-11,6-6Big 12
Tech takes down Cougars in three behind strong performance from Merrick
November 09, 2024 | Women's Volleyball
The Red Raiders sweep Houston, marking the first time since 2021 that Tech has swept a Big 12 opponent on the road
HOUSTON, Texas – Texas Tech volleyball (13-12, 5-8) took down Houston (11-11, 6-6) in three sets on Saturday afternoon in the Fertitta Center. The Red Raiders were led by senior Emily Merrick who finished with 13 kills while hitting an exceptional .571 percent. The sweep over Houston marks the first time since October 15 of 2021 that has swept a Big 12 opponent on the road.
Brynn Williams was right behind Merrick as she finished with 14 kills while hitting .312 with six digs. Mia Wesley tacked on eight kills and eight digs as middles Reagan Engler and Aliyah McDonald recorded timely and powerful kills, combing for eight kills and five blocks. Engler recorded a career high three aces from behind the service line as well.
Hanna Borer led the match with 37 assists and added eight digs. Maddie Correa recorded her 21st match of 10 or more digs as she finished with 11 and added on two aces for good measure. Emily Contreras was solid as well, finishing with six digs and an ace.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The Red Raiders were swinging early and often to open the match as they hit .391 at the first break, up 18-14. Six kills on a .600 hitting percentage from Brynn Williams led the way as Emily Merrick also made a statement going for five kills on six swings. The Tech defense was stout, holding the Cougars to hitting just .069 percent while picking up three aces from the service line. Tech finished the set hitting .464 with just two errors on its way to a 25-16 win.
The Cougars found their offense in the second set, hitting above .300. The Red Raiders matched them, hitting over .300 as well. The hitting percentages were indicative of the set as they went back-and-forth until back-to-back solo blocks by Aliyah McDonald Mia Wesley ended the set to give Tech the 26-24 win and 2-0 lead.
Set three continued on the dramatic of the second set, but the Cougars had no answer for Merrick who had a 15 points thanks to 13 kills and two blocks all while hitting .571 for the match. Houston tied the set at 12-12, but the Red Raiders rattled off a 6-2 run to take the control of the set for a 25-19 win and sweep of in-state foe.
UP NEXT: The Red Raiders will return home for a match against Iowa State on Saturday at 1 p.m. in the United Supermarkets Arena.
