FORT WORTH – Facing two teams that are either ranked or receiving votes in the American Volleyball Coaches Association poll on Thursday at Schollmaier Arena, the Texas A&M University-Commerce volleyball team fell in three sets to both No. 25 TCU and UCLA, who is receiving votes in the AVCA poll.
 
"Today was a lot of fun," said coach Joe Morales. "We played No. 25 TCU as well as we could and enjoyed every minute of it. Naturally, there are things we could have done better, but the pace and energy of the game was fast and exciting.
 
"We stayed within striking distance, in some cases, going point for point. Our defense was very productive, out-digging them in the match. This was what I was hoping for, the ability to compete. I am very proud of their resilience and effort."
 
MATCH 1: NO. 25 TCU 3, A&M-COMMERCE 0
The Lions started off the match strong, taking five of the first eight points of the match, but the Horned Frogs turned around to take the next two points and won the final seven points of the set to take the first, 25-18.
 
In the second set, the Lions had the early lead once again, being up 10-7, but TCU closed out the set with a scoring run again, taking the final five points of the set, 25-21. Both teams were neck-and-neck to begin the third set, which was tied at 14. The Horned Frogs then went on a 3-1 scoring run and extended their lead to seven points to secure the match win, 25-19, in the third.
 
Reese Fetty (Farmersville) was the leader in kills with nine, she had seven digs and three blocks as well. Ellie Baumert (Dodge, Neb.) totaled 18 assists and seven digs, while Jade Smith (Houston – Mayde Creek) recorded 19 digs and Millie Allgood (Sherwood, Ark.) had 10.
 
Morales added, "playing back-to-back is as tough as it can be. Take nothing away from a great UCLA team, but our team was exhausted. We managed to rally a little in the third set but it's tough at this level with no break. We got to see and learn how to push through our limits. We also played a younger class and different line-ups, who did great and got much needed reps."
 
MATCH 2: RV UCLA 3, A&M-COMMERCE 0
The first six points of the match went to the Bruins, who led by as much 13 in the set, while taking six of the final seven points of the set, 25-12. The Lions won the first point of the second set, but the Bruins won the next three and once again closed out the set on a 3-1 run, 25-15.
 
Like the first set, UCLA won the first five points of the third set, the Lions had a late 3-0 run, but the Bruins won the set, 25-13, hitting .378 in the match.
 
Fetty was the team leader in kills, totaling nine once again, while Baumert had 16 assists against the Bruins, and Fetty had nine digs to lead the team as well.
 
The Lions fall to 2-6 on the season.
 
"All in all, it was a great test of what our future looks like, and I am thrilled about that. This team is playing together from everyone on the court to everyone on the bench. I'd say day one was a success for our progression," concluded Morales.
 
UP NEXT
The Lions close out the Fight in the Fort on Friday at 1 p.m. against Prairie View A&M.