BOCA RATON, FL – Texas Tech opened its 2025 volleyball season with a narrow 3-2 loss to Western Carolina on Friday morning at the FAU Tournament in Boca Raton.
The Red Raiders (0-1) were led by standout performances from junior Reagan Engler and freshman Kenna McKenzie, but ultimately came up short in the five-set thriller against the Catamounts (1-0).
Engler, making her debut as an outside hitter after switching positions in the offseason, recorded her first career double-double with 16 kills and 10 digs. McKenzie made an immediate impact in her collegiate debut, tallying 14 kills.
Also debuting for Tech was Taylor Bahnub, who redshirted last season at Clemson. Bahnub finished with eight kills, while Addie Kanouff and Jasmine Martin added seven each. Katelyn Cochran dished out 24 assists, and Peyton Dunn added 13. Sierra Grizzle led all players with 24 digs and added seven assists.
Ashlyn Bellamy contributed 12 digs and a match-high four aces, while Aliyah McDonald notched two kills and was involved in four blocks on defense.
Texas Tech jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the opening set, but Western Carolina answered with a 5-0 run and eventually pulled away late for a 25-20 win. The Red Raiders responded in the second set behind strong offensive play from Engler and McKenzie, taking the set in a close 25-22 decision.
The third set belonged to Texas Tech, which used an 8-0 run to break open a 14-14 tie and claimed a 25-19 victory. However, the Catamounts countered with a dominant fourth set, winning 25-17 after a late 7-2 run.
In the decisive fifth set, Western Carolina built an early 11-4 advantage. McKenzie sparked a brief Red Raider rally with three straight kills, but the Catamounts held on to secure the 15-11 win.
Up next, Texas Tech returns to action Friday evening with a matchup against tournament host Florida Atlantic. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT.
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