In a thrilling second-round matchup, the Texas A&M Aggies defeated the TCU Horned Frogs 3-1 on March 15, 2025, securing their place in the NCAA Sweet 16 for the second consecutive year. The Aggies showcased their resilience in a nail-biting fourth set, ultimately winning 29-27 at Reed Arena in Bryan-College Station, Texas. This victory propels them closer to their goal of a national championship.
The win sets up a challenging encounter with the Louisville Cardinals, who advanced after sweeping Loyola University Chicago and edging past Marquette 3-2. Head coach Jamie Morrison expressed his pride in the team’s performance, particularly in overcoming the strong challenge posed by TCU.
Coach and Players Reflect on the Victory
In his postgame remarks, Morrison emphasized the grit displayed by his squad. “I’m fired up and our team showed a lot of grit,” he stated. “We stayed together in tough moments. TCU is a really good volleyball team, and I’m really proud of our group for coming out and fighting until the end.”
Star player Logan Lednicky highlighted the significance of a balanced offense, noting that having multiple players contribute double-digit kills can significantly benefit the team. “A balanced offense does wonders for a team,” Lednicky said. “TCU did get a little jumpy sometimes, which opened up space for some kills.”
In discussing the fourth set, Lednicky described her team as “gritty,” underscoring their ability to perform under pressure. “Hearing the crowd when it’s set point, there’s nothing like it. It was a bittersweet moment for our last game in Reed, but the 12th Man showed up, and it was an amazing experience.”
Another standout, Kyndal Stowers, who recorded 19 kills in the match, shared her strategy for success. “It’s about finding my groove. You play different teams every week, and they can change defensively,” Stowers explained. “It’s kind of like chess; you have to adjust and find a new spot.”
Team’s Determination and Experience
Ava Underwood, another key player, reflected on the team’s tenacity, stating, “We just don’t give up. We’re a really hard team to beat because we’re gritty. With many seniors on the team, we want to keep grinding and playing our brand of volleyball.”
Lednicky and Underwood both acknowledged the lessons learned from their previous Sweet 16 appearance in 2024. “We learned that we belong there,” Lednicky noted. “We came into this season with new pieces and improved skills. The ‘why not us’ mentality drives us forward.” Underwood added, “We have proven time and again that we deserve to be here, and we’re the team that people don’t want to play.”
In a poignant moment, Underwood reflected on her final game at Reed Arena, saying, “This place is awesome. The support from our fans has been incredible, and we knew it would come to an end. But the 12th Man showed up as they always do, and this place is becoming a volleyball powerhouse.”
Morrison spoke candidly about the pressure of closing out the fourth set against TCU. “As a coach, you have to think ahead while being present at the moment,” he remarked. “I had a good feeling once it got tied that we were going to pull it out.”
Looking ahead to the Sweet 16, he emphasized the importance of experience. “The more you do it, the more comfortable you get in these moments,” Morrison said. “That comfort helps us execute as we did tonight.”
As the Aggies prepare for their next challenge against Louisville, they carry with them the confidence of a team that has fought hard and proven their worth on the national stage. Fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming match, hoping to see the Aggies continue their journey towards the championship.
