Coming off its second-best season in program history, TCU volleyball is eyeing a deep NCAA Tournament run. The Horned Frogs kick off their season Friday against North Carolina State.

Director of Volleyball Jill Kramer said she likes the way her team looks. She said the team is healthy, blocking well and has bulked up its non-conference schedule.

“They put a lot of work in and preparation,” Kramer said. “They all trust and believe in one another and that’s what it takes to get things done. I believe we have to people to do that this year.”

Last season, the team was ranked as the seventh-best blocking team in the country.

“We only have three players under six feet on the team, but blocking isn’t always about size,” Kramer said. “We spend time on teaching girls to read the game well and that is what a lot of blocking is about.”

Outside hitter Ashley Smith, one of six players to be named unanimously to the Preseason All-Big 12, is coming off knee surgery.

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