Volleyball team back in action tonight

After sweeping Texas Tech, UConn, and Grambling State last weekend the TCU women’s volleyball team looks to continue their success in the SMU Doubletree Invitational this weekend in Dallas. 

The Frogs open play tonight against crosstown rival SMU at 7 p.m. and will play against Lamar University (1-2) and Alabama (3-1) Saturday afternoon.   

TCU is led by seniors Kristen Hester and Jordan Raines, who combined for 48.5 points in last week’s tournament. Other key players include juniors Sloane Sunstrum, Meghan Horio, and sophomore Yvonne Igodan. TCU lost some key players last year. Graduated seniors Irene Hester and Christy Hudson ranked 7th and 9th in all-time kills at TCU, each having over 1,000.

Last season TCU finished a game under .500 with a 15-16 record, including a 1-3 loss to SMU at home. Whenever TCU and SMU get together for any sport it is always a hard fought battle, but this year the Lady Frogs have a little extra motivation. TCU is 3-11 against SMU all time. 

SMU won a school record 25 games last year, and they will look to continue that trend with a strong core of seniors. SMU senior Dana Powell was named honorable mention All-American last year.

Alabama is coming off a close 3-2 loss to Samford. New head coach Ed Allen is looking for the same success he found at Tulsa which culminated in a second round finish in the NCAA tournament last season. 

Lamar struggled in their opening tournament with losses to UNT (3-1) and Houston Baptist (3-0). Their lone victory came against Texas Southern (3-0).