TCU Volleyball swept the Green Bay Phoenix 3-0 (25-21, 25-21, 25-22) Wednesday evening in the quarterfinals of the National Invitational Volleyball Championship, their first ever postseason match hosted at the Rickell inside the University Recreation Center.
“Not the cleanest performance, but we stuck with it, which I thought was really great,” Director of Volleyball Jill Kramer said. “At this point in the season, that is what you have to be proud of. Every team that you play at this point of the season is hot, and they played some of the best defense that we have seen this season.”
Kramer said that the Phoenix’s ability to dig balls that TCU typically converts on and their ability to keep the ball alive separated them from other competition that TCU has faced all season.
The strong defensive presence by Green Bay kept each set tight with each team within striking distance for most of the set. The Frogs had to fight back from deficits in both the first and the second set. The largest deficit the Frogs faced in each set was four points.
TCU faced a deficit in the first set, down 16-12, but were able to chip away and complete a 13-6 run to finish the set and comeback to grind out a 25-21 victory.
The Horned Frogs were faced with a similar situation in the second set, down four points early to the Phoenix. TCU fought back to take the lead and prevented a Green Bay counter to extend their lead to two sets.
TCU junior outside hitter Lexi MacLean lauded cited the team’s ability to stay composed.
“Lately we’ve done a really good job of taking it one point at a time and sticking together when we’re down,” MacLean said.
She tallied 13 kills, good for a team-high for the third time this season. She also recorded a service ace, a block and nine digs.
Setters first-year Tori Dilfer and senior Lamprini Konstantinidou each recorded a team-high 21 assists Wednesday, sharing the ball well and playing a major role in the winning effort.
“[Dilfer and Konstantiniduo] are always very huge for us,” Kramer said. “They did a good job of setting the right people at the right time. Our passing wasn’t outstanding tonight, but we still got good looks on the pin.”
With the win, the Horned Frogs will host a familiar foe in the NVIC semifinals Thursday at 7:00 p.m, the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
“It’s different for us to play in the postseason at home,” Kramer said. “It’s always good to play at home regardless. You don’t have to travel and worry about the little things that occur on the road.”
