By Ray Cartwright
Frogs Today Staff Writer
FORT WORTH – TCU knew it was going to the NCAA Tournament. The Horned Frogs just didn’t know where they were headed.
On campus, it turns out.
TCU received an at-large berth Monday and will open play at home Friday night at 7 against UT-San Antonio. The Frogs, who reached the NCAA Tournament for the seventh straight year, are the No. 5 seed in the Notre Dame quadrant.
This marks the fourth time in program history that TCU will host an opening-round match.
“First off, I am very happy and proud of our group for being recognized and invited to the tournament,” coach Eric Bell said. “This is why they came to TCU, to compete for national championships, and this is our seventh year in a row and I could not be happier.”
The other seven seeded programs in the Notre Dame quadrant are No. 1 Notre Dame, No. 2 North Carolina, No. 3 Stanford, No. 4 Michigan State, No. 6 BYU, No. 7 Georgia and No. 8 Santa Clara.
Many projected TCU to be a No. 6 seed heading into the selection show, so getting a five seed was a nice boost. But the Frogs the work is not done, and they are looking to build off of their two previous NCAA Tournament appearances that saw them make deep runs.
The constant message coming from the team after the bracket reveal has been one game at time, and all focus is on Friday’s matchup against UT-San Antonio.
“Finishing our chances, staying consistent with our play and just working really hard together,” captain Gracie Brian said. “Knowing that we’re walking in with some confidence, and knowing our abilities and what we can do as a team.”
For this senior class that was instrumental in putting TCU on the soccer map, this is their last go-round, a special opportunity to go out and cement their legacy.
“It’s super exciting. I’m really happy that my last year here at TCU I’m able to finish on a strong note,” captain Payton Crews said. “I’m really looking forward to this bracket. I think we have some really exciting teams. I’m excited for Friday for us to go out there and get the job done.”
