The Texas Tech volleyball team will start Big 12 conference play with a two-game series against Kansas on Friday and Saturday at the United Supermarkets Arena.
The Red Raiders are 10-3 in nonconference play including a 3-0 stretch at the Green Wave Invitational in Birmingham, Alabama.
New Players Making an Impact
There are multiple newcomers who have made an impact on the team. Outside hitter Kenna Sauer was named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week, and libero KJ Adams was selected as Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week for the second time this season.
Sixth-year head coach Tony Graystone said he likes where the team is at, especially with the new players.
“We’ve had so many new players in the lineup and have been trying to work through some things and they’ve come out pretty good,” Graystone said. “I think we’re as prepared as we can be.”
Senior setter Alex Kirby said the new players have made a tremendous impact for the team.
“I’m not really surprised, but it’s just such a good addition for us,” Kirby said. “I think as we’ve had the same lineup more and more, I think we’re gelling together more and I’m excited for us to go into Big 12 play this week.”
Preparing for Kansas
Coach Graystone said the Jayhawks will pose a tough challenge for the Red Raiders heading into the weekend.
“They’re really good with their outside hitters, active middles, they’ve got one of the best middles in the Big 12 no question,” Graystone said, “A really good serving team, they know exactly what they’re doing. They’re a very good team.”
Kansas comes into the weekend with an impressive 8-3 record. 2020-21 All-Big 12 First Team honoree, middle blocker Caroline Crawford, leads the Jayhawks with 34 blocks.
Quick Hits
- Kenna Sauer had 30 kills against Sam Houston.
- Middle blocker Brooke Kanas leads the team with 44 blocks.
- Kansas outside hitter Jenny Mosser leads the team in kills with 123.
- In 2020, the Red Raiders lost both games to Kansas 3-1.
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