The new era of TCU Volleyball, led by Head Coach Jason Williams, is officially underway. The Horned Frogs competed in the Big 10/Big 12 challenge, losing to No. 3 Wisconsin and No. 5 Minnesota in straight sets this weekend.

Even though TCU didn’t walk away victorious, something was different in the air inside Schollmaier Arena. The season opener against Wisconsin had 2,431 fans in attendance, the fourth largest crowd in program history. The energy was electric, and it translated to the court.

“I love the Frog Fam,” said Williams. “We want to make the game fun. We’re trying to promote the sport. I think tonight, fans saw what we can do as a volleyball program, and I’m excited about the future.”

The Frogs made things tough for their opponents, extending points on defense and showcasing various attacks on offense. Size-wise, there was only so much they could do at the net, but they kept fighting.

TCU was shorthanded, with outside hitter Taylor Raiola out with a concussion. Although their lineup wasn’t what was expected, Williams said he was impressed with the team’s effort.

“They’re confident, they’re big – I felt like we didn’t shy away,” said Williams. “We were aggressive, and that’s kind of our game plan right now. We just have a lot of work to do.”

Senior Outside hitter Julia Adams led TCU at the net, tallying a game-high 13 kills against Wisconsin and a team-high nine kills against Minnesota. Adams’ stellar performance earned her All-Tournament Team honors. 

“I think she’ll be an all-conference player,” Williams said. “I think she can be an All-American this year. She’s turned the corner in her game.”

No. 3 Wisconsin, the defending NCAA Volleyball Champions, and No. 5 Minnesota are a tough pair of teams to face to start the season. The Frogs, even in defeat, had many positive takeaways from the weekend, one of which was the performance of junior outside hitter Cecily Bramschreiber. In the two outings, she showcased her versatility, tallying 15 kills and 16 digs.

Bramschreiber primarily played as a defensive specialist and libero last season. She is undersized at 5-foot-9 but makes up for it with an impressive vertical jump.

Bramschreiber said she feels comfortable in the new role and that she’s having a ton of fun.

“If you view [the taller opponents] as a threat, then you go in with fear,” said Bramschreiber. “If you go in thinking of it as a challenge, there is literally nothing that can stop you.”

Willaims said that the team is on the right path, even though they have lots of work to do.

“I was encouraged by the system that we’re trying to implement,” said Williams. “We were able to do some really good things against two great teams.”

UP NEXT:

TCU Volleyball will play Coastal Carolina in the Fight in the Fort tournament on Sept. 2 at 7 p.m. in Schollmaier Arena.