In a historic night for TCU Women’s Basketball, Hailey Van Lith once again proved why she’s one of the most feared players in college basketball, scoring an impressive 26 points to lead the Horned Frogs to their first-ever Elite Eight appearance. The TCU Horned Frogs have reached new heights under Van Lith’s leadership, and this win over a formidable opponent is a clear sign of how far the program has come.

 

Hailey Van Lith scores 26 points to lead TCU to 1st Elite Eight with 71-62  win over Notre Dame

 

 

The Elite Eight victory was a testament to Van Lith’s relentless drive, her clutch scoring, and her ability to take over when it mattered most. Her performance on the biggest stage of her career so far solidified her reputation as one of the most dynamic and impactful players in the nation. With this win, Van Lith helped lead TCU to a historic achievement that will be remembered for years to come.

 

 

A Star-Studded Performance: Van Lith Dominates From Start to Finish

From the opening tip, it was clear that Hailey Van Lith was in attack mode. The standout guard had a scoring outburst that left the opposition scrambling for answers. 26 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists later, Van Lith had not only secured the victory for her team but also delivered an unforgettable individual performance that showcased just how valuable she is to this TCU team.

 

 

TCU beats Notre Dame 71-62 as Van Lith scores 26 points – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort  Worth

 

 

 

Van Lith’s offensive game was firing on all cylinders. Whether it was a deep three-pointer from the top of the arc, an explosive drive to the basket, or a mid-range jumper that seemed to drop effortlessly, she was nearly unstoppable. Her smooth ball-handling and ability to break down defenses allowed her to find open shots both for herself and her teammates.

 

 

But what made her performance so special wasn’t just her ability to score. It was the timing of her baskets. As the opposing team mounted a couple of runs to make it a close game, Van Lith answered back with crucial buckets that kept TCU ahead when the pressure was at its highest.

 

 

March is her time: Hailey Van Lith leads 3rd different team to Elite Eight  with TCU's 72-61 win - The Washington Post

 

Leadership Beyond the Stat Sheet: Hailey Van Lith’s Impact

While her scoring was obviously key to TCU’s victory, it was Van Lith’s leadership on the court that truly set the tone for the entire game. As the game became more intense and the stakes grew higher, Van Lith stepped up and became the go-to player in critical moments. Her clutch shooting down the stretch, including a couple of big three-pointers in the final minutes, was enough to seal the win for the Horned Frogs.

 

What stood out most, however, was her ability to remain composed under pressure. As the defense tightened, she didn’t force bad shots or make risky plays. Instead, she found the right opportunities to either score herself or get her teammates involved. Her vision and playmaking were on full display, and she finished the game with 4 assists, demonstrating her ability to make her teammates better while carrying the offensive load.

 

 

Hailey Van Lith powers TCU past Notre Dame in NCAA Tournament for its first  Elite Eight appearance - SBNation.com

 

 

Van Lith’s leadership also extended to the defensive side of the ball. She wasn’t just content to let her offensive play shine; she contributed on defense as well, grabbing key rebounds and playing physical on-ball defense when needed. This all-around effort showed that Van Lith is the ultimate team player, and her all-around play has been a big reason for TCU’s success.

 

 

TCU’s Historic Run: A New Chapter for the Program

The Horned Frogs’ journey to the Elite Eight has been one for the history books, and Hailey Van Lith’s arrival at TCU has been a key factor in their transformation into a championship contender. The team had never made it past the Sweet 16 until this season, but with Van Lith leading the charge, they have now surpassed that milestone and are just one step away from a Final Four berth.

 

Hailey Van Lith Shines in TCU's NCAA Tournament Victory Over Notre Dame,  Making Her Father Proud

 

The significance of TCU’s first-ever Elite Eight appearance cannot be overstated. This marks a new era for the program, one in which the Horned Frogs are now seen as a force to be reckoned with in women’s college basketball. And at the heart of it all is Hailey Van Lith, a player who has brought both talent and swagger to the court, elevating the team’s performance to new heights.

 

 

While Van Lith’s individual accolades are impressive, she has made it clear that team success is what matters most. “It’s amazing to be a part of something so special,” Van Lith said after the game. “But this isn’t just about me. This is about TCU, about this team, and about showing the world that we belong at the top.”

 

Hailey Van Lith of Wenatchee Breaks NCAA Tournament Records

 

 

The Road to the Final Four: What’s Next for TCU?

With the Elite Eight now secured, TCU’s next task is to keep this momentum going as they head into the Final Four hunt. The Horned Frogs will face even stiffer competition as they attempt to break new ground and reach the Final Four for the first time in school history. But with a player like Hailey Van Lith leading the way, there’s no telling just how far this team can go.

 

 

As TCU looks ahead to their next game, they’ll need contributions from the entire team to keep advancing. While Van Lith will undoubtedly be the focal point of the offense, TCU has a balanced roster that can support her in their pursuit of a national championship. Players like Lauren Heard, Taliah Scott, and Jordan O’Brien have been crucial in providing the depth and scoring support needed for TCU to make their historic run.

 

Van Lith has double-double, TCU women head to Sweet 16

 

The road to the Final Four won’t be easy, but Van Lith’s confidence and clutch play give TCU every chance to make a deep tournament run. With her leadership and ability to rise to the occasion, there’s no doubt that the Horned Frogs have one of the best players in the country on their side as they aim to continue making history.

 

 

Conclusion: Hailey Van Lith Shines Bright in Historic Moment

Hailey Van Lith’s 26-point performance to propel TCU to its first-ever Elite Eight will be remembered as one of the standout moments in women’s college basketball this season. As the team’s star player, Van Lith has not only carried the Horned Frogs to new heights but has also solidified her place as one of the best players in the nation.

 

 

TCU’s success is a testament to the program’s growth, and with Van Lith leading the charge, the Horned Frogs are poised for even greater things as the tournament continues. As they inch closer to their ultimate goal of reaching the Final Four, one thing is certain: Hailey Van Lith is the type of player who can turn dreams into reality, and TCU’s historic run is far from over.