On Saturday, Texas rolled over TCU in straight sets for its 19th win of the season.
“A really big priority coming out of our locker is focusing on our side of the net,” sophomore setter Jhenna Gabriel said. “I think that’s why we’ve been getting better match after match.”
Texas is currently focused on potentially locking up the NCAA’s top seed. In spite of TCU’s 9-14 record, Texas still came out with a fire and hunger to move closer to the top seed.
Sophomore outside hitter Logan Eggleston ensured it would be a good day. Eggleston grabbed a kill and landed a service ace, putting Texas up 2-1.
From that point forward, Texas eased into its rhythm as Gabriel conducted the offense, landing assist after assist.
TCU made a small run cutting the lead to two, but Texas quickly snapped the comeback attempt and took the first set 25-19.
Even though Texas had gained the early advantage, TCU didn’t lie down.
The Horned Frogs came out of the gates quickly in the second set, starting with a 4-1 lead. Sophomore outside hitter Elan McCall was the engine driving the offense, converting on multiple kills.
However, Texas didn’t allow the slow start to affect them heavily. They relied on sophomore libero Sydney Petersen. Petersen sparked the energy, helping the team find a new level.
Petersen’s hustle saved several key plays that would set up her teammates.
“I’m just trying to spread my range,” Petersen said. “They made a little bit of run in that second game but I wasn’t worried about what they were doing. I was just focused on executing at a high level.”
Texas continued to dominate throughout the rest of the set running to a 25-16 victory in the second set.
Texas tried to put TCU away in the third set, but the Horned Frogs kept nipping at the Longhorns’ heels. TCU would remain within a point down the stretch.
The biggest lead the Longhorns held was a three-point lead when Texas was approaching matching point. Although it was close, Texas found a way to seal the deal.
The Horned Frogs were only trailing by one point, but ultimately fell into Texas’ trap. TCU’s sophomore outside hitter Katie Clark jumped up in the air, aiming for a spike that could’ve been a game changer.
Nonetheless, it was knocked away by senior outside hitter Micaya White who secured the win for the Longhorns 25-23. Texas is now 19-2 and remains undefeated in Big 12 play.
White was consistent once again, leading the team with 14 kills and a hitting percentage of .414. Gabriel had 31 assists, while sophomore libero Sydney Petersen guided the defense with eight digs.
Texas also remains undefeated at home with an 11-0 record. Texas now zeros in on their rematch against Baylor.
“We try to take it one match at a time,” Texas head coach Jerritt Elliot said. “It’s a great test for us on the road.”
