By Luke DeRouen

Sports Writer

The Tech volleyball team dropped two Western Athletic Conference matches last week inside the friendly confines of Thomas Assembly Center.

The Techsters (14-12, 2-7 WAC) remained in a tie for seventh place in conference following losses to Nevada and Fresno State.

The Techsters battled Nevada (11-12, 5-4 WAC) Saturday, losing in a well-played five game match.

On paper, the Techsters led nearly every statistical category but failed to capitalize offensively when it counted.

"It is frustrating to lose a game like this, but we are still improving," head coach Heather Mazeitis said.

Game one saw seven ties and five lead changes before the Techsters claimed the 30-26 victory over Nevada.

Led by Cristine Sant'Anna who had 20 kills in the match, the Techsters recorded an impressive .319 hitting percentage in the first game.

Nevada won game two 30-28 and fought through 13 ties and five lead changes to take game three 30-24.

The third game was dominated by the Wolf Pack, who went on a 10-2 run midway through and never looked back on their way to victory.

The Techsters used an early rally along with a .310 hitting percentage to cruise past Nevada 30-21 in game four.

With the match tied two games a piece and the deciding fifth game tied 8-8, the Wolf Pack rallied for three consecutive points, leading the way to a 15-13 victory over the Techsters.

"We are working well as a team right now, there are just a few things that did not fall our way," senior Heather Anderson said.

Ambra Hayes recorded 13 kills in the match, while Laura Osterhaus added 12 kills.

The Techsters hosted WAC foe Fresno State on Oct. 23, losing the contest after posting a .142 hitting percentage.

Fresno State led by as many as 10 points in the first game, finishing the game with a 30-22 victory.

Sant'Anna, who again led the Techsters with 12 kills, recorded five kills in the opening game.

With Fresno State building a lead in game two, the Techsters went on a 9-4 run to tie the game at 21.

However, the Techsters were not able to build on the momentum, as Tech lost the game 30-26.

The Techsters took a 24-23 lead late in game three following back-to-back kills by Sant'Anna and Lia Mora.

Following a pair of hitting errors and a serving ace by Carrie Hartt, Fresno State regained the lead and went on the win the third game 30-27, giving them the match.

"We beat ourselves," Mazeitis said. "When we decide to commit fewer errors, it will be easier."

The Techsters hard work resulted in victory last week against Northwestern State in a five game match in Natchitoches.

Sant'Anna recorded 21 kills in the victory, and Joy Okpa, Megan Rush and Hayes were all in double figures in kills.

The Techsters continue WAC competition tonight in Tulsa, Okla., at 7 p. m.

The Techsters are still in shape to make the conference tournament but have four conference games remaining to determine their seed.

"The question is not if we go, but who we will play," Mazeitis said.

After their showdown with the Golden Hurricane, the Techsters will take on the Rice Owls Saturday in Houston at 7 p. m. in Autry Court.