The No. 18 TCU Horned Frogs secured a hard-fought victory against No. 8 SMU in a thrilling five-set match held at Schollmaier Arena on Wednesday. The match, which ended with a score of 16-25, 25-22, 25-16, 26-28, 15-12, highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams, but it was TCU's ability to bounce back after a fourth-set defeat that ultimately led them to victory.
Leading the charge for TCU was Becca Kelley, who delivered an impressive performance with 20 kills, showcasing her offensive prowess. Kelley’s hitting percentage stood at .311, contributing significantly to the Horned Frogs’ overall team hitting percentage of .294. Alongside Kelley, Evan Hendrix also made a notable impact with 17 kills, while Rosemary Archer facilitated the offense with 40 assists, ensuring the team maintained a steady flow of play.
The match was not only a test of skill but also of resilience, as TCU faced a challenging fourth set where they narrowly lost 26-28. However, the Horned Frogs regrouped and emerged victorious in the decisive fifth set, winning by a slim margin of three points. In addition to their offensive contributions, TCU’s defense was formidable, led by Kinsley Young, who recorded nine blocks, helping to stifle SMU's attack.
Other key contributors for TCU included Jalyn Gibson, who returned to action after recovering from an ACL injury, adding 10 kills and digging up nine balls, just one shy of a double-double. Alice Volpe anchored the back-row defense with an impressive 20 digs, demonstrating her vital role in keeping the ball in play. De’Andrea McMillan and Reese Robins also made their presence felt defensively, with McMillan contributing seven blocks and Robins adding five blocks to the tally.
TCU’s defensive strategy was effective, limiting SMU to a hitting percentage of just .204 while posting an impressive 19.5 blocks compared to SMU's five. This defensive effort was crucial in maintaining TCU's momentum throughout the match. The Horned Frogs played in front of a lively crowd of over 2,000 fans on their newly installed Taraflex court, adding to the electric atmosphere of the contest.
The victory improves TCU’s record to 2-1 for the season, marking an important win against a highly ranked opponent. The Horned Frogs will look to build on this momentum as they continue their season, aiming to establish themselves as a formidable force in the NCAA volleyball landscape.
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