Back from the Texas-Pan American Tournament this weekend, the volleyball team not only brought home two victories, but also a new school record for blocks and a new individual record for digs.The Horned Frogs defeated Prairie View A&M and Texas-Pan American during Saturday’s doubleheader in Edinburg.
In defeating the host Lady Broncs (30-20, 30-20, 30-32, 31-29) in the second match, the Frogs recorded 19 blocks, an all-time high for TCU in a four-game match.
Sophomore outside hitter Talaya Whitfield also set a TCU record with 35 digs in the match.
Junior outside hitter Calli Corley credits the defense for the win.
“Our front line in general helped (the team to victory) because they broke the block record of the team,” Corley said.
Corley said she thinks the team wanted to prove its ability in the tournament.
“We really wanted to show we know how to play,” Corley said. “I feel like we were more focused and played better as a result.”
Junior middle blocker Anna Vaughn said the team’s intensity added to its success.
“We had a lot more confidence and energy going into this game,” Vaughn said. “Sometimes when going to new gyms, the energy isn’t as high as it is at a home game, but we are doing well and having a lot more fun.”
Vaughn led the Frogs’ offense with 13 kills in the first match against Prairie View A&M.
TCU dominated the Panthers in three games (30-22, 30-26, 30-14).
Vaughn said the win was a confidence booster, which led the team to beat the Lady Broncs.
“We had very few errors, which was good for us, especially being a young team,” Vaughn said.
With an improved record of 14-9 on the season, the Frogs say they are feeling confident as they head back to conference play.
Vaughn said the team wants to show the Mountain West Conference what it’s made of.
“We have more fight and drive,” Vaughn said. “Because we’re new to the conference, we need to let them know our ability and prove it.”
The team will have that chance as it challenges the Colorado State Rams at 7 p.m. today in the University Recreation Center.
