Volleyball wins fifth conference match
Published Oct. 3, 2006
The Missouri volleyball team continued its strong play Saturday night, winning its fifth conference match in a row.
The Tigers swept the Texas Tech Red Raiders in Lubbock, Texas, 30-26, 30-20, 30-24.
The win moved the Tigers (11-4, 5-1 Big 12) into sole possession of second place in the Big 12, trailing Nebraska by half a game.
Before practice Monday, MU coach Wayne Kreklow said he is pleased with his team's recent success.
"It's hard to win five in a row in this conference," he said. "Anytime we can do that, I'm more than happy."
The Tigers were led Saturday by senior Jessica Vander Kooi's 13 kills.
Kreklow said the team has been able to count on Vander Kooi in every match this year.
"Jessica has really been steady for us," he said. "She's definitely been the most reliable player for us this year."
Junior Na Yang and senior Nicole Wilson added 11 kills each.
Kreklow praised redshirt freshman Amanda Hantouli, who delivered seven kills and a .500 hitting percentage.
"Amanda played well," he said. "She's worked hard in practice, and I think she did a good job at middle blocker just concentrating."
Kreklow said his team will be riled up Wednesday when they host the Kansas Jayhawks in the Border Showdown.
The Jayhawks are 1-5 in the Big 12 after starting the season 7-1.
After being swept at Iowa State on Saturday, Kansas' Emily Brown predicted her team would turn around and beat MU during the showdown on Wednesday.
"It's coming Wednesday, for sure on Wednesday - I can feel it," she told The Lawrence (Kan.) Journal-World. "It'll be a good win for us."
Kreklow said Brown's comments provided the Tigers with "motivation," and the team would be ready to play its rival.
"For us, we approach the Kansas match with the mindset that we have to get up and be ready to play," he said.