Texas Tech University Athletics
Tech takes opener in Iowa
September 18, 2026 | Women's Volleyball
Bowcuttโs fourth 20-kill performance of the season helps lift Tech to win
IOWA CITY, Iowa โ Texas Tech (8-2) took down Central Arkansas (0-8) in four sets on Friday afternoon to open the Kwik Star Klassic.
Freshman Sara Bowcutt led the way with 22 kills and 13 digs for her third double-double of the season and her fourth 20-kill performance of the season. Katelyn Cochran set a new career for assists with 55 while adding six digs and recording a solo block.
Kenna McKenzie and Kayla Robertson each had 10 kills, Robertson hit over .500 in the match to lead the team while Faith Jordan recorded a career-high nine kills on 15 attempts. Shelby Ignash and Elia Dinsmore each had five kills to round out the major scorers for the team.
Emily Contreras had 15 digs and four service aces while Dinsmore had 11 digs and Maddie Smotherman had eight.
The Red Raiders jumped out to an early 15-9 lead in the first set behind Bowcutt's four kills. Tech's lead only grew from there thanks to a .333 hitting percentage as they took the early set 25-15. Bowcutt finished the set with five kills with Ignash and McKenzie both having three.
The Sugar Bears rebounded in set two with a 27-25 win. Central Arkansas out hit Tech .253 to .216 and had three blocks to the Red Raiders zero which proved to be the difference in the closely contested set.
Another win-by-two scenario in the third set, but this time it went the Red Raiders' way as they came out on top 28-26. Tech hit .390 with 18 kills and had four aces and were able to outlast seven Central Arkansas aces in the set to retake the lead in the match.
The Red Raiders were in a close fourth set but ultimately prevailed with a 25-22 win to take the opening match of the weekend in Iowa City.
UP NEXT: The Red Raiders will be back in action at 6 p.m. today to take on West Florida.
