November 20, 1998

Box Score

LUBBOCK, Texas - The Texas Tech volleyball team outblocked Kansas State 21.5-9 en route to a 10-15, 15-9, 15-11, 15-12 victory Friday against the Wildcats at Lubbocks Civic Center. The victory improved Texas Tech to 21-10 overall and 10-8 in the Big 12 Conference and also vastly improves the Red Raiders chances of receiving an NCAA Tournament berth. Kansas State falls to 17-9 overall and 11-6 in the Big 12.

The victory was Texas Techs second of the season against a ranked team. The other victory was against No. 19 Texas A&M (3-1 on November 1). The win improved Techs record against ranked teams to 2-9 on the season.

The difference in the match was defense. Texas Tech smashed home a season-high 21.5 blocks and outdug Kansas State 77-65. Tech put five players in double figure digs (Heather Hughes-16, Kristen Holmes-14, Courtney Putnam-13, Lisa Hilgers-12 and Skydra Orzen-12) and five players registered blocks led by Lori Garbers nine (3 solo/6 assists), Courtney Putnams eight (2 solo/6 assists) and Sonia Morics seven (1 solo/6 assists).

Kansas State jumped on top early with a 15-10 win in game one. But Texas Tech fought back in game two, winning the contest 15-9. The pivotal game three saw Kansas State jump out to an early 10-8 lead but Texas Tech used four consecutive points to rally from behind and take a 12-10 lead. The Red Raiders used that momentum and won game three 15-11.

Outside hitter Kristen Holmes led Texas Tech with a match-high 22 kills in 52 attempts. The senior from Beaumont, Texas hit .288 on the evening and added five blocks. Outside hitter Courtney Putnam rammed home 19 kills, middle blocker Lori Garber finished with 13 kills and Sonia Moric added 10 with a .450 hitting percentage.

Kansas State was led by Dawn Cadys 18 kills, Liz Wegners 17 kills and Kim Zschaus 16 kills.

Texas Tech has two remaining road matches left on its regular season schedule. Tech will travel to Kansas on Nov. 27 (7:30 p.m.) and to Oklahoma on Nov. 28 (7 p.m.). The NCAA Tournament pairings will be announced Sunday, Nov. 29 in a telecast. More details will be available at a later date.