For much of the season, the Terrapins volleyball team’s offensive game plan has revolved around outside hitter Liz Twilley. Through the team’s first eight games, Twilley leads the team with 79 kills, with her 192 total attacks coming up second.
So it was no surprise when the freshman came up big against Texas Tech in the Kristen Dickmann Invitational. Posting 15 kills and 2 blocks, Twilley led the Terps to a four-set victory (25-20, 14-25, 25-22, 25-16) over Texas Tech.
“She’s a great young player coming in here,” coach Steve Aird said. “She’s got this thrill in her that I love.”
While the Terps (9-0) took the final two sets, they struggled in the second against the Red Raiders (6-2), allowing them to tie the match at one. Texas Tech took control early behind the play of outside hitter Meghan Stacy, who had seven of her 18 kills in the set.
“It wasn’t pretty in the second set,” Twilley said.
The match marked the first time Aird’s team has taken on a power conference opponent this season.
“This is a really good win for us,” Aird said. “Wins are hard to come by. I’m always happy to get one.”
After winning nine straight to open the season, the Terps are now chasing the 2005 team for the program’s best start of the century. In 2005, the Terps began the season 14-0 before dropping a five-set match to Georgia Tech.
For Twilley, the immediate success comes after a stellar high school career. She earned the 2014 Maryland Gatorade Player of the year in addition to being named an All-American. Last year, Twilley led her high school team, Oakdale, to the 2014 Maryland State Championship.
Being able to play for her home state, and have this kind of success, is something Twilley cherishes.
“It’s great to have my family and friends come to games,” Twilley said. “I love repping my state and wearing this jersey.”
