By Bennett Parker | Sports Writer
Baylor volleyball’s lack of success against ranked opposition has flawed its 2026 campaign. The Bears have dropped all four games against top-25 teams, leading them to fall out of the rankings.
Baylor (11-5, 3-3 Big 12) will get another shot on the short road trip to Fort Worth. No. 10 TCU (14-3, 5-1 Big 12) has put together a strong start to its season and is primed to defend home court against its rival.
Baylor has looked like a force to be reckoned with in their two matches since falling out of the top 25. The Bears breezed by Texas Tech and Arizona without dropping a set, hitting .292 and .410, respectively.
The Bears’ first ranked win in 2025 came against the Horned Frogs, and they are hoping history repeats itself despite competing against an all-around solid squad.
“Yeah, they got a lot of arms,” head coach Ryan McGuyre said. “Becca’s [Kelley] hitting well out of the back row and the front row. Hendricks was their kill leader last year, and Becca has passed her up. You got experience in Gibson over there, with some physical middles, and they play good defense, too.”
Baylor benefitted from a full week of rest ahead of the rival game, leaving plenty of time to scheme for the Frogs, who Baylor bested in five sets last season.
“We’ll be able to get after it and make sure both of us want to defend the opponent’s strengths and then exploit the opponent’s weaknesses,” McGuyre said.
The Bears had their best all-around performance of the season last Sunday against Arizona, including from the service line with seven aces, which is tied for their season best. They are looking to keep that momentum.
“I think the servers learned some things when the teams are trying to pinch passers,” McGuyre said. “We’re going to see that at TCU. I thought we got better when we shifted into our passing when they’re maybe targeting somebody to take out a hitter.”
Baylor is in need of a signature win to gain some respect in the national rankings. A road victory over the ranked rival is exactly what the Bears are looking for.
“It’s Big 12, and we know we’re on the road,” McGuyre said. “These are the matches that can tip the scale on how things come out at the end.”
Baylor is slated to play TCU at 2 p.m. Sunday at Ed and Rae Schollmaier Arena in Fort Worth.
