Texas Tech Overwhelms Milwaukee in Straight Sets as Dominant Start Rolls On
The Texas Tech Red Raiders extended their electric early-season run with another commanding victory, this time against the Milwaukee Panthers. With a three-set sweep (25-16, 25-19, 25-14) on Friday night, the Red Raiders continued to showcase the strength, depth, and discipline that have quickly made them one of the most formidable teams in the NCAA volleyball landscape.
From the opening serve, Texas Tech left little doubt about who controlled the court. Their attack was crisp, their blocking unrelenting, and their composure unshaken throughout the contest. The win pushed their flawless season record further, maintaining their perfect streak as they head into tougher matchups with confidence and momentum.
Texas Tech came out firing in the first set, opening up a fast 10-4 lead with an aggressive offensive push. Outside hitters took full advantage of Milwaukee’s inconsistent backline, hammering home kills with surgical precision. The Red Raiders’ net defense was particularly sharp, recording five blocks in the opening frame alone.
Setter Maddie O’Brien ran the offense with precision, distributing the ball across a versatile front line that kept Milwaukee guessing. The Panthers attempted to mount a comeback late in the set, but unforced errors and a relentless Tech defense shut the door quickly. The 25-16 set win was as convincing as it gets.
Milwaukee showed signs of life in the second set, tightening their serve-receive and finding some rhythm offensively. But while the Panthers improved, Texas Tech simply raised their game higher. Sophomore standout Kaylee Cox delivered a string of kills during a mid-set surge that turned a narrow two-point lead into a seven-point cushion.
The Panthers tried switching up rotations and focused more attacks through the middle, but the Red Raiders’ middle blockers were equal to the task. Avery Plante and Kenna Sauer combined for multiple momentum-killing rejections that fired up the home crowd and demoralized Milwaukee’s hitters.
Ultimately, the second frame ended 25-19 in favor of Tech — a score that doesn’t fully reflect the control the Red Raiders maintained throughout.
Texas Tech opened the third set with clear intent to end things decisively. From the first serve, the Red Raiders overwhelmed Milwaukee with a barrage of high-velocity spikes and acrobatic digs. Milwaukee’s defense cracked under pressure, struggling to counter Tech’s speed and efficiency.
Coach Tony Graystone’s squad demonstrated their depth, rotating in several bench players without missing a beat. Freshman middle blocker Mia Perez made an immediate impact, notching a pair of kills and a block within minutes of entering.
The Red Raiders sprinted to a 25-14 third set win, sealing the sweep in dominant fashion and sending a loud message to future opponents — this team is deep, dangerous, and determined.
The victory marked Texas Tech’s sixth straight sweep to begin the season. With their record now standing at a perfect 6-0, the Red Raiders have yet to drop a single set. The team’s chemistry is evident, with seamless communication, fluid movement, and a visible sense of trust among players.
Coach Graystone praised his team’s consistent focus. “We’re doing a great job of not just winning but getting better every match,” he said. “Milwaukee challenged us in spots, but we responded with poise and precision.”
Individually, Kaylee Cox once again led the team in kills, while Maddie O’Brien tallied over 30 assists in another standout setting performance. Libero Brooke Kanas was all over the floor, keeping long rallies alive and showcasing Tech’s defensive tenacity.
The Red Raiders will face stiffer competition in the coming weeks, with a marquee showdown against a ranked opponent on the horizon. But if the early returns are any indication, Texas Tech is more than ready to rise to the challenge.
This sweep of Milwaukee is more than just another win — it’s a sign of a program surging forward with purpose. With depth across the roster, elite coaching, and an unshakable mindset, the Red Raiders aren’t just off to a hot start — they’re building something potentially special.