The Texas Tech volleyball team (13-8, 3-5 Big 12) will go on the road to take on Kansas State (12-7, 3-5 Big 12) in what will be its fifth Big 12 matchup of the season. The teams will play back-to-back games on Wednesday and Thursday.
The Red Raiders will look to get two wins over the Wildcats and even up its conference record. Tech has not yet swept a conference opponent in a two-game series.
A Good Week Off
The Red Raiders have seen five of its eight Big 12 games go to five sets. Only one of those eight games did not go to at least four sets. A bye week was welcomed by the team after playing in numerous full length matches.
Senior libero Audrey Tuttle said the team got some important rest and extra preparation during the bye week.
“I’d say recovery during the season is really nice and important just physically and mentally so that was really nice.” Tuttle said. “I think we’ve also been training well this week and we’re excited to get back into competition.”
Senior setter Tatum Rohme said the week off helped the team improve.
“This week was actually really competitive and I think we got a lot better during this week.” Rohme said. “I think it was really beneficial to us.”
A Tight Race in The Big 12
Texas Tech and Kansas State are among five Big 12 teams that are tied with a 3-5 conference record.
With Texas and Baylor in complete control of the first and second seed, the rest of the conference is scraping for the third seed. Iowa State currently sits in third place with a 4-4 Big 12 record.
The Red Raiders will look to get two wins against the Wildcats to create some separation and continue the fight for third place.
Preparing for Kansas State
Kansas State outside hitter Aliyah Carter has recorded 306 kills for the Wildcats this season. Carter has reached double-digit kills in every game the Wildcats have played.
The Red Raiders will look to slow her down as they prepare for the matchup.
Tech head coach Tony Graystone said the Wildcats like to feed their star player.
“They have a balanced offense, but they have a true go-to in one of the better attackers in the Big 12.” Graystone said. “When they really need a point, they feel pretty good about who they’re giving the ball to.”
Graystone said that it will come down to containing the Wildcat offense and not allowing one player to have a huge night. He said if the team follows the game plan they will see some success.
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