TCU
Utah
Frogs drop heartbreaker to Utah
10/1/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Oct. 1, 2005
After dominating the defending Mountain West Conference champions in game one, the TCU volleyball team fell to Utah in four games (30-27, 19-30, 27-30, 17-30) to fall to 10-6 on the season and 0-2 in the MWC. Sophomore Talaya Whitfield just missed her third double-double of the season with nine kills and 16 digs.
The 592 fans packed into Crimson Court made the atmosphere hostile for the young Frogs, but the team played beyond its years to quickly silence the crowd. Whitfield led the team with six kills and used excellent judgment on when to use power on her shots or tips. Utah's Emillie Toone, who stands 6' 7", tried to shut down the 5' 6" Whitfield, but the Lakewood, Calif., product made the plays.
Sophomore LeMeita Smith and Junior Anna Vaughn were also big factors in the Horned Frogs win as they combined for eight kills. TCU also did a proficient job in the dig column racking up 12.
Game two started in Utah's favor, with the Utes able to run off quick serves and get into their offense to build an early lead. The resiliency that Frog fans have come to expect from this young team was displayed once again, as they battled back to within three. However, Utah was able to make adjustments and head into the locker room with the match tied.
TCU began to capitalize on the errors made by Utah and moved to a 27-24 advantage in game three. Utah refused to let the Frogs take a 2-1 lead and ran off a 6-0 run to take the game.
Unable to regain their composure after the game three letdown, the Frogs fell in game four.
Vaughn finished the match with 14 kills and nine digs, falling just one dig short of her first double-double of the season. Smith finished 11 digs.
Senior Hayley Harmon chipped in with four kills while hitting .286 on seven attempts.
The Frogs return home next weekend to host Air Force on Friday and New Mexico on Saturday. Match times are slated for 7 p.m.
