TCU Volleyball Drops Second Consecutive Match to No. 14 Kansas
TCU entered the week facing the most difficult challenge of Big 12 play thus far. With matchups against No. 6 Texas and No. 14 Kansas, the Frogs would have their work cut out for them. A competitive five-set match saw the Frogs fall to the Longhorns, and unfortunately, a similar fate fell on TCU as they lost to Kansas in four sets (25-18, 14-25, 16-25, and 15-25).
TCU jumped out to a strong start with a 9-6 lead which grew to 17-8 after a Jayhawks timeout. Everything was clicking for the Frogs as Audrey Nalls and Sarah Sylvester were at the forefront. Kansas made things interesting closing the gap to five late, but Sylvester, Nalls, and Brianna Green sealed the deal to give TCU a 25-18 set point.
Kansas made some significant adjustments as they roared out to big leads the rest of the way. TCU showed signs of life and tried their best to crawl back, but the Jayhawks responded and shut it down.
The Frogs were down by as many as 11 points in the fourth set, but back-to-back kills by Nalls may have begun to shift some momentum towards TCU, but Kansas ran away with it. A few attack errors and kills from London Davis ended the match.
Nalls finished with 11 kills, 16 digs, and three blocks. She now has 1,103 kills which is eighth all-time. Her teammate Julia Adams is currently sixth. Lily Nicholson made her second career start and finished with 34 assists and nine digs.
For Kansas, Ayah Elnady had 16 kills and 11 digs. Reagan Cooper had 14 kills. The Jayhawks beat TCU in every major statistical category including blocks, which hasn't happened much this season. TCU ranks fourth nationally in blocks per set.
It wasn't an ideal week for Jason Williams and his Horned Frogs squad, but there is plenty to learn. Going toe to toe with one of the best teams in the country is a positive sign, and I think the Frogs are a few minor adjustments away from being a legit contender in the Big 12.
TCU will hit the road to Florida to take on UCF back-to-back on Thursday and Friday at 6 p.m. on ESPN+.
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