LYNCHBURG, Va. – Louisiana Tech opened Conference USA play on the road Friday night but ran into a red-hot Liberty squad, falling in straight sets (25-8, 25-15, 25-13) inside Liberty Arena.
 
Liberty (13-1, 1-0 CUSA) came in riding an eight-match winning streak and had control of much of the match, hitting .440 as a team with 40 kills compared to just 21 for LA Tech (7-8, 0-1 CUSA) who tallied a .041 hitting percentage. The Flames also finished with a 6-2 advantage in blocks and an 8-0 edge in service aces.
 
The Bulldogs were led offensively by Guilia Bonifacio who had five kills.  Right behind her with four were Jailen Hurley, Carla Esquer, and Gabrielle Hairston.  Riley Steubing posted a team-high six digs on the back line.
 
QUOTABLES
Head coach Scott Mattera
 
"Certainly, a learning experience – I did not see this coming at all.  Serve receive completely broke down and that leads to lots of other bad stuff.  I have got to do a better job of instilling the basics and building a fighter's mindset.  Good news is, we get to play again tomorrow."
 
UP NEXT
LA Tech and Liberty will battle again tomorrow at Noon CT inside Liberty Arena.  The matchup will be broadcast on ESPN+.
 
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