Cougars remain perfect after sweeping Texas Christian

PROVO — Just two days after defeating arch-rival Utah for the first time in four years, the No. 20 BYU women's volleyball team returned to the Smith Fieldhouse to face Mountain West Conference newcomer TCU.

Coach Jason Watson was hoping his team wouldn't suffer a letdown against the Horned Frogs, who were playing their first-ever MWC contest.

But the Cougars proved early on they would have no problem putting that emotional victory over the Utes behind them.

BYU started fast, cruising in the first game, and ended up sweeping TCU, 30-13, 30-24, 30-27, before a Elaine Michaelis Court crowd of 1,248.

"We haven't started that well all year long," Watson said. "We set the tone early with our serving. It was by far our best game one of the season."

It wasn't always so easy for BYU, as the Frogs put up a fight in the next two games. But overall, the Cougars were in control.

"We didn't know anything about TCU going into this match because we had never played them before," said BYU outside hitter Erica Lott, who recorded a team-high 13 kills. "We prepared well and treated it like a huge match against a big opponent. We were pumped up and ready to go."

With the victory, BYU improved to 11-0 overall and 4-0 in the MWC. TCU fell to 10-5 and 0-1.

The Cougars hit .360 compared to .110 for the Horned Frogs. Chelsea Goodman, Lindsy Hartsock and Rachel Dyer aided a balanced attack with eight kills apiece.

"We were very efficient offensively," Watson said. "I was very pleased with what we did offensively."

Hartsock hit a season-high .800 and added four blocks. As a team, the Cougars had 39 digs.

TCU middle blocker Anna Vaughn led her team with 12 kills.

Next week, BYU ventures to the Front Range to take on Colorado State (Friday) and Wyoming (Saturday). The Rams (9-3, 3-0) are the defending MWC champions.

"Colorado State is a big match, with two undefeated teams," Watson said. "The good thing is we've got a week to prepare so we'll be able to work on what we need to improve on and get ready. It will be a fun match."

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