Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications
Louisiana Tech opened the 2026 volleyball season in impressive fashion Friday night, sweeping Iona 3-0 inside the Thomas Assembly Center.
The Bulldogs used a balanced offensive attack and a strong defensive effort to earn the 25-19, 25-22, 25-18 victory in the first meeting between the two programs.
Tech finished with 41 kills and a .189 hitting percentage while holding Iona to 25 kills and a .025 hitting percentage.
Freshmen led the way offensively for the Bulldogs, accounting for their top three kill totals. Taylor Woods recorded a match-high 10 kills, Kylie Rodriguez added nine and Tyra McKinnie finished with seven. McKinnie hit a team-best .375.
“To come out and beat a solid team, especially in three, was great,” Tech coach Scott Mattera said. “Everyone contributed and had moments to show what we are capable of. Brought in six freshmen and are proud of them. Really proud of how our older players have embraced them and prepared them.”
Louisiana Tech had to overcome an early deficit in the opening set after Iona built a 12-6 advantage. The Bulldogs responded with 12 consecutive points to turn the six-point deficit into an 18-12 lead.
Tech maintained control from there to take the opening set 25-19. The Bulldogs hit .245 in the set and recorded 17 kills compared to nine for the Gaels.
The second set was the most competitive of the match.
After again falling behind early, Tech battled back and pulled even at 21-21. Rodriguez followed with a kill to put the Bulldogs in front before two Iona errors and a Woods kill helped Tech close out a 25-22 victory and take a 2-0 lead in the match.
The Bulldogs took control of the third set with a 10-3 run after the teams were tied midway through the frame. Gabrielle Hairston eventually delivered the match-clinching kill to complete the sweep.
Sydnee Carter directed the Tech offense with 20 assists and added 10 digs for the Bulldogs’ first double-double of the season.
Riley Steubing led the defensive effort with a match-high 20 digs, marking the eighth time in her career she has reached that total. Megan Cooley added 12 digs, six kills and one ace as Tech totaled 62 digs and six blocks.
Mattera credited Tech’s veterans with helping steady a young Bulldogs team when needed.
“When things were going south, Megan Cooley reined us in,” Mattera said. “Riley Steubing is so reliable in that libero jersey. These girls have come together and trust each other so much. It is special to see how they bounce back.”
The Bulldogs continue their season-opening tournament Saturday when they face Houston Christian at 4 p.m. inside the Thomas Assembly Center.
