Colorado
Texas Tech
Spikers Hang Tough
October 18, 2002 | Volleyball
The University of Colorado volleyball team (10-9, 4-5 Big 12) beat the Texas Tech Red Raiders (7-11, 2-7 Big 12) 31-33, 36-34, 31-29, 30-26 Saturday afternoon at the United Spirit Arena in a close match that saw three of the four games go into extra points.
"Texas Tech played tough, but our kids worked hard and came up with the win," Colorado head coach Pi'i Aiu said. "With the way we've been playing, it was important for us to come out on top today if we want to have any chance of making the tournament. We still have a lot of work to do, but at least now we're on the right track."
Freshman right side hitter Maragda Santillana had a career-high 18 kills in the match as she hit a match-high .485 on the day with seven blocks including three solo. Junior middle blocker Monique Gerlach tallied a match-high 23 kills for the Buffs as she hit .465 on the day, adding seven digs and four blocks to her effort. Senior middle Meghan Barkman also contributed double-figure numbers in the win with a double-double in the match as she tallied 13 kills and 10 digs. Senior setter Elizabeth Gower was just one kill away from a triple-double with nine kills, 55 assists, and 10 digs on the day.
Tech had five individuals register double-figures in kills. The Red Raiders were powered by Kelly Johnson, who had 22 kills in the match.
CU hit .275 as a team, pocketing 15 total blocks in the match, while TTU hit .229 on the day with 10 blocks. Colorado out-dug Tech 68-67 in what was probably their most evenly matched contest of the season.
Colorado will now remain on the road when they face Iowa State on October 23 in Ames. The Buffs return home to host Kansas State on October 26 at 7 p.m. at the Coors Events/Conference Center in Boulder.
