Tech opens season at Irish Invitational

LUBBOCK, Texas – The Texas Tech volleyball team travels to South Bend, Ind., this weekend for the Irish Invitational hosted by Notre Dame. First, the Red Raiders play the Irish on Friday, Aug. 26 at 6 p.m., then take on the Milwaukee Panthers the following day at 11 a.m.

Tech is coming off their best season in 20 years as the team earned their first NCAA Championship bid since 2001. Picked to play in the Madison, Wisconsin Regional, Tech put together an overall 17-13 record and picked up seven conference wins. The Red Raiders return 11 players from last year’s squad, including seven seniors or fifth-year student-athletes.

Last season, Tech was led offensively by senior Kenna Sauerwho ranked first on the team in kills (364), aces (24) and points (424.5). Fifth-year seniors Karrington Jones and KJ Adams both led the team with a .358 hitting percentage and 485 digs, respectively.

Eight newcomers are joining the team this season, with two transfers – Jac St. Cin (South Florida) and Lexie Collins (Wyoming) – as well as six talented freshmen in Brynn Williams, Currie Marrusak, Paige Mooney, Dylan Hoskins, Ellie Baumert and Grace Betke.

SCOUTING THE OPPONENTS

Texas Tech will face Notre Dame on Friday, making it the first time in program history that the Red Raiders play the Irish. Last year, Notre Dame went 13-15 overall and 10-8 in conference play.

Tech is also facing Milwaukee for just the second time in program history, with the last matchup coming in a 3-0 victory for the Red Raiders on Sept. 5, 1981. The Panthers recorded a 22-9 overall record and were 16-2 in conference last season. They return junior middle blocker Ari Miller, who led the team with 411 kills (3.57 k/s).

FOLLOW ALONG

Follow TexasTechVB on Twitter for all the latest updates, including how to watch the game and follow the live stats. Texas Tech’s match against Notre Dame will be streamed on ACCNX, while both matches will have live stats available.