MANHATTAN, Kan. (U-WIRE) -- Needing only one match to clinch Kansas State's first ever Big 12 Championship in volleyball, coach Suzie Fritz knows the importance of tomorrow afternoon against Texas Tech. The fact that it is at home makes it that much more special.

All season Fritz has been overjoyed with the support of the Wildcat faithful, including a school-record 5,287 fans packed inside Ahearn Field House for the Wildcats' victory over Nebraska on Nov. 11.

She even has given them credit for victories this season, calling them a seventh man of sorts who propelled K-State to victories in tough five-game matches.

To win the conference title at home, Fritz said, would make the experience something she and the rest of the team would never forget.

That ties back to the support of the fans.

"I think it would be very special because we've had a tremendous following, and the fans have really supported our team," Fritz said. "To clinch at home in Ahearn would be unbelievable."

But first, the No. 5-ranked 'Cats have to get through the Red Raiders.

The last time the two teams faced off was a 3-0 K-State victory Sept. 20 in Lubbock, Texas.

The 'Cats had no trouble fending off Texas Tech, taking the three games by scores of 30-28, 30-24 and 30-23.

K-State leads the all-time series against the Red Raiders, including a perfect 6-0 mark against them at home.

The 'Cats are also an unblemished 12-0 at home this season.

But the focus, Fritz said, remains on Texas Tech and the rest of the regular season, which also features a home match against Texas A&M and a trip to Austin to face Texas to finish the season.

"It's very exciting," Fritz said of K-State's position atop the Big 12. "Our objective right now is to try and end the conference season strong."

With the season winding down, postseason position has also been crossing the minds of Fritz and the 'Cats.

Sitting atop the latest USA Today/AVCA poll is USC, followed by Hawaii, Florida and Pepperdine. The 'Cats fell to Hawaii, 3-0, and Florida 3-1 in the season opening NACWAA/State Farm Classic on Aug. 22-23.

But, Fritz said, despite prior losses K-State must stay focused and play well throughout their remaining schedule if they expect a top two seed in the NCAA tournament.

And, she added, the team's new goal aside from a Big 12 title is to put themselves in a position to do just that.

"Our expectations have shifted toward the postseason and putting ourselves in a position to have a nice seed in the NCAA tournament," Fritz said. "To do that, we need to play well throughout the rest of the conference season."

(C) 2003 Kansas State Collegian via U-WIRE.