TCU
Rice @ Rice University Tournament
Volleyball Splits on Day Two of Rice Invitational
9/7/2002 12:00:00 AM
Sept. 7, 2002
HOUSTON, Texas - TCU Athletics Media Relations The TCU Volleyball team (5-2) earned a split on day two of the Crowne Plaza/Rice Invitational as they defeated Louisiana-Lafayette, 3-0, and fell to Rice, 0-3. The Frogs went 1-2 for the weekend.
Rice (3-4) and TCU battled throughout game one, each holding the lead at various times but never by more than three points. The teams were tied at 28 late before Rice scored on the last two plays to win 30-28. The second game was all Rice as they raced out to an early 9-2 lead, then finished the game with a 30-19 victory. The Frogs battled in game three, giving Rice a run for its money, but TCU came out on the short end of a 30-27 score.
Sophomore Dominika Szabo led the team in kills (14), attacks (36) and digs (15), while junior Tori Barlow posted 31 assists in the morning match. Junior Courtney Beach earned three aces, including a pair back to back in game two.
"Our mental preparation from last weekend to this weekend wasn't the same," said head coach Prentice Lewis. "Last weekend, we did what was needed to succeed, and this week we haven't taken care of the little things like being mentally prepared and being in sync during warm-ups. This team's succeeded in lots of little ways, but they still have to perform as a team, and not as six individuals, on the court."
The Frogs came out ready to play in their second match of the day. Against Louisiana-Lafayette in game one, neither team pull into a decisive lead until TCU went ahead at 19-18. The Frogs took the first game by a score of 30-22. The Ragin' Cajuns started strong in game two, until the Frogs rallied to tie the match at 20 all. Freshman Carissa Mills served on eight consecutive points for TCU, and sophomore Amber Sims served an ace to win 30-24 in the second. Game three was a battle from the start as the teams traded points and the lead throughout. TCU squeaked out the 30-28 victory to win the match, 3-0.
Szabo again led the Frogs in kills and attacks, with 20 and 38 respectively. Barlow had 41 assists against the Cajuns, while Beach and Mills each posted 10 digs. Sims gave the Frogs five blocks. Szabo's 20 kills put her fourth on the 3-game match kills list.
"We played to 30 in this match," said Lewis. "We took each game five points at a time, which is what we've wanted to do the whole time, but this time we executed. I'm pleased with the freshmen coming out and playing well. Carissa (Mills) hit .400. Our other outside hitters played well, too. Amber (Sims) hit .500; Domi (Szabo) hit .474 - that's what they've got to do. We finally finished a match. The other matches we've finished maybe one game. We didn't get frustrated with a great defensive team. Finally, we came out on top, and that's a big thing for a young program."
TCU will make its home debut on Friday, Sept. 13 when it hosts San Jose State at 11:30 a.m. in the first match of the TCU Invitational. The rest of Friday's schedule includes Miami (Ohio) versus Stephen F. Austin at 2:00 p.m., and the 7:30 p.m. closer featuring TCU against Stephen F. Austin. Saturday's action will begin at 10:00 a.m. with San Jose State meeting Miami (Ohio), TCU versus Miami (Ohio) follows at 3:00 p.m., and San Jose State and Stephen F. Austin will play in the 5:30 p.m. nightcap. All matches will be played in Daniel-Meyer Coliseum.
