Sophomore setter Loren Barry said preparation could make the difference in TCU’s upcoming games against No. 13 Brigham Young and Utah this weekend.The Horned Frogs enter the second half of conference play on a three-game winning streak, including a come-from-behind win over the Colorado State Rams on Tuesday.
“We’ve been working really hard this week, and any team can win on any given day,” Barry said. ” It’s just about who comes out more prepared and whose mind is in the right place.”
The Frogs came back to beat the Rams after dropping the first two games in the match, which snapped the Rams’ winning streak in games at 72.
Associate head coach Jason Tanaka said he believes the team is in a favorable position this weekend if it can come out and play its game.
“Right now, we’re pretty well prepared for both teams this weekend, but it’s going to depend on how we can execute our game plan,” Tanaka said. “If we can execute our game plan, I think that our team can be very good.”
BYU, 19-0, is coming off a win over Weber State and has a 10-0 record in the Mountain West Conference.
Utah is coming off a home victory against San Diego State to up its record to 15-6, 7-3 in conference.
TCU lost to both teams in Utah earlier this season, but junior outside hitter Calli Corley said she believes the team is more prepared to face them now after learning from its previous experience.
“We’re excited that we get to play them again because we know more about them now,” Corley said. “We know who their best players are and where to go to, and I’m excited for the second half of conference play.”
Corley also said the team has the skills and work ethic to mount an effective run down the stretch.
“Right now, I think the sky’s the limit for us because we do have a lot of talent,” Corley said. “As long as we keep playing together and keep working hard, we can go far.”
The team is 15-9 this season with a 3-5 mark in conference play.
The Frogs will face BYU at 7 p.m. Friday and Utah at 7 p.m. Saturday at the University Recreation Center.
