By MATT DEARMAN

Sports Writer

Tech's volleyball team snapped a six-match losing streak with a three-game victory over the University of Texas-El Paso on Saturday night in the Thomas Assembly Center.

The Lady Techsters improved to 4-9 on the year, 1-1 in the Western Athletic Conference following the win, while UTEP fell to 5-5, 0-2 in the WAC.

"It was a good win against UTEP," Tech head coach Heather Mazeitis said.

"We've got our offense running better."

Tech executed near perfection in the first game, winning with a commanding score of 30-14 and recording only two errors. The momentum carried over into the second game, where Tech recorded 21 kills on their way to a 30-23 win.

Game three started more problematic for Tech. After trailing 18-13 midway through the game, the Lady Techsters regained composure and rallied back to clinch the match with a 30-24 victory.

Leading the Lady Techsters both offensively and defensively in the match was Joy Okpa, who recorded 11 kills and 11 digs in the contest. Freshman Shannon Phillips had 10 kills, trailed by senior Megan Rush and sophomore Ambra Hayes with nine kills each. Senior Natalie Shipp also contributed with eight kills.

Tech's well balanced offense also tallied up nine aces on the day with five coming from Hayes.

Going into the match with UTEP, the Lady Techsters were coming off of a disappointing loss to Boise State that opened WAC play on Sept. 23.

Tech's errors proved costly against Boise State (13-2, 2-0 WAC), as the Lady Techsters fell in three games 30-18, 30-28, 30-17.

In the opening game of the match, the score remained close early until Boise State went on a six point rally to take the drivers seat that would lead to a 12-point victory.

The Lady Techsters regained their composure in the second game, but five service errors down the stretch ultimately gave the Lady Broncos the edge and a two-point win to put them on top two games to none.

Tech's woes carried into the final game of the day, as Boise State easily clinched the match with a 13-point victory after 11 Lady Techster errors.

Tech will host Oral Roberts University (6-9) at 7 p.m. on Friday in the Thomas Assembly Center.