VB Takes on TCU in Wednesday Match
11/15/2016 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
By John Shellenberger
Baylor Bear Foundation
Facing its closest conference rival for the second time this season, Baylor volleyball (20-7, 8-3 Big 12) plays TCU (11-12, 4-9 Big 12) at 7 p.m. Wednesday in Fort Worth.
Having already swept the Horned Frogs last month in Waco, the Bears will look to take care of business quickly against TCU . . . and their other remaining three opponents, for that matter.
"We're playing with a sense of purpose," Baylor coach Ryan McGuyre said. "We're understanding that it's got to be a championship-like atmosphere. I think the girls know they are close enough to be able to extend the season, so each match really matters moving forward. And then, when we get to that point, all those matches matter as well."
Baylor has already won three more games than last season, McGuyre's first, and is having its best year since a Sweet 16 run in the NCAA Tournament in 2009.
Nothing is certain, but the Bears believe an NCAA Tournament berth is within their grasp.
"It's really been fun since Day One," junior middle/outside hitter Camryn Freiberg said. "We're still having just as much fun knowing that the NCAA Tournament is in reach for us. We love being around each other. Alex (Banister) said the other day that she loves coming to practice, because she gets to hang out with her best friends for an hour or two."
After being snubbed last year, making the NCAA Tournament is of utmost importance for the Bears. Picking up wins in the last four matches against TCU, Oklahoma, Iowa State and No. 4 Kansas would certainly enhance Baylor's bid.
"We enjoy being around each other, so we want to extend it as long as possible," McGuyre said. "It's just another way we are playing for one another."
Baylor has one of the best defenses in the Big 12. While the Bears' blocking greatly alters what the opposition tries to do offensively, they rank second in the Big 12 in digs and opponent hitting percentage.
Byalor's defense will be critical against a TCU team that seems to be peaking at the right time. The Horned Frogs swept Kansas State at home before falling in four sets against Kansas.
"(TCU) serves tough," McGuyre said. "I think both our programs take pride in their serving and passing. I thought they served bullets. The first time we played them, I thought we were out of system most of the match. I think we've got to be clean with our passing and then be more disruptive with our serves."
If Baylor is worrying about TCU's 93 service aces, the Horned Frogs should be distraught about the Bears' serving. They rank second in the conference with 125 aces.
With a 90-mile trek up I-35 to Fort Worth for Wednesday's game at the University Recreation Center, Baylor is expecting a big turnout of fans.
"I think we're going to have a huge fan base," Freiberg said. "Even the girls that aren't from Texas, there are family members coming down, and they're ready to support us."
WACO, Texas - Baylor volleyball (20-8, 8-4) treks north to face the TCU Horned Frogs (11-12, 4-9) on Wednesday, Nov. 16, at 7 p.m. in the University Recreation Center in Ft. Worth.
Baylor will go for the season sweep over TCU, a first for the program since the 2012 season.
With TCU checking in at No. 28, the Bears can add a crucial win for its standing in the RPI, as the program continues to strive for its first postseason berth since 2011.
With a 16-game conference schedule, BU could pick up its ninth Big 12 win of the season, locking in a winning record in conference play for the first time since going 11-9 in 2009, and for just the third time in the program's history.
The two sides faced back on Oct. 5 of this season, with BU securing a three-set sweep over the Horned Frogs.
BU holds the advantage in the all-time series, leading 11-6 overall, but trailing 3-4 in Ft. Worth.
For this and all other Baylor road matches, fans can tune into the live internet radio broadcast on BaylorBears.com/allaccess.
Keep up with the team all season long by following Baylor Volleyball's official accounts on Twitter (@BaylorVball), Facebook (Baylor Volleyball), Instagram (@BaylorVolleyball), and Snapchat (@BaylorVball).
MATCH INFO:
Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. CT
University Recreation Center | Ft. Worth, Texas
Audio: BaylorBears.com (Paid)
Talent: Jonathan Hill
TV: FOX Sports Southwest Plus
Talent: Chuck LaMendola and Alexia Heist
Live Stats: GoFrogs.com
BAYLOR BEARS
2015 Record: 17-13
2016 Record: 20-8
2016 Big 12 Record: 8-4
Head Coach: Ryan McGuyre (2nd season)
All-Time Record vs. TCU: 11-6
All-Time Record vs. TCU in FT. WORTH: 3-4
TCU HORNED FROGS
2015 Record: 19-10
2016 Record: 11-12
2016 Big 12 Record: 4-9
Head Coach: Jill Kramer (2nd season)
#SicEm
