Sept. 30, 2009

Box Score

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LUBBOCK, Texas - Junior middle blocker Alexxa Roberts had six kills and a .417 hitting efficiency and Caroline Courtney had five kills and only one miscue to lead Texas Tech, but it wasn't enough as No. 14 Iowa State beat the Red Raiders, 3-0, at the United Spirit Arena in Big 12 Volleyball action. The loss drops Tech to 2-10, 0-3 on the season, while the Cyclones move to 11-3, 3-2.

Junior outside hitter Victoria Henson became the eighth Cyclone player to hit for 1,000 career kills, picking up 14 blasts in leading Iowa State on the evening. Rachel Hockaday added 10 kills and committed only one error for the visitors to help pace the offense.

While the set scores were lopsided in favor of Iowa State, many points were competitive as both teams had good nights defensively. Tech's freshman libero, Tory Vaughan, led the Red Raiders with nine digs and senior defensive specialist Jenn Goehry added eight in the effort. The Big 12's premier defender, ISU's Ashley Mass, scooped up 13 and was helped in the backcourt by teammate Kaylee Manns 10 digs. Manns guided the Cyclones offense as their setter and tallied 35 assists as well.

The set scores were: 25-15, 25-14 and 25-17, but the match lasted nearly an hour and a half.

Ultimately, the Cyclones ability to capitalize on longer rallies and end points with kills by finding open spots on the floor became the difference-maker in the match. Iowa State's hitting efficiency was .362 as the team combined to commit only 13 mistakes in 94 attempts and were credited with 47 kills, while Tech knocked out 25 kills and 19 errors in 89 attempts, thus hitting for a .067 mark on the evening.

The Red Raiders continue Big 12 play this weekend as they travel to Norman, Okla. to face the Sooners Saturday at 3 p.m.