The Wildcats’ volleyball team defeated Texas Tech 3-1 Tuesday night. It was their first time playing a Div. I opponent and they made history.
The ‘Cats jumped out to a quick 2-1 lead behind and all-around stellar play from the team, moving to a 3-2 record on the early season. The fourth set tests the Wildcats as the Red Raiders rally to tie the game at 24-24. Tech would soon fall prey to their own errors when their serve sailed out of bounds to give ACU a 25-24 lead.
Freshman Lexi Mercier would decide the game point as sophomore Sarah Siemens set her for the final kill, sending the crowd into an uproar of cheers. The record-breaking crowd of 1,300 attempted to storm the court as the game reached its conclusion. ACU’s success on attacks would come from sophomore Jennifer Loerch who had 16 kills on the match. Texas Tech’s height was equalized by Loerch.
“Practicing on swinging high and around the block this past week has really helped me in preparing for this game,” Loerch said.
The Wildcat’s key to success this week was staying away from Tech’s libero junior Rachel Brummit. ACU would also be lifted by a great performance from sophomore libero Madison Hoover, digging out a game high 22 attacks.
“Our fans were unbelievable, playing at home was great and we got to do our thing,” said Hoover.”It feels absolutely amazing. It brought tears to my eyes, I love my team so much.”
ACU’s defense played exceptionally well considering Tech easily had a height advantage over the Wildcats. The defense also dominated at the net by recording 9 blocks to Tech’s 2.
The atmosphere during the game raised the team to another level. The crowd for the previous game in Lubbock was only 645, less than half of the crowd in Moody. The record-breaking crowd mixed with a Div. 1 win has already made this ACU volleyball season one to remember.
The volleyball team will play in the Comcast Lobo Invitational on Friday and Saturday. They will compete against Northern Arizona University, University of New Mexico and Towson. The Wildcats next home game will be on Sept. 26 against McNeese State University.
