The “Hailey Van Lith revenge game” was the easy narrative heading into No. 2 TCU’s matchup with No. 7 Louisville in the second round of the 2025 Women’s NCAA Tournament, but the fifth-year senior never took the bait. Not before, and certainly not during the Horned Frogs’ comfortable 85-70 win over her former team.
“I understand the narrative that’s being painted. It doesn’t necessarily align with where I’m at mentally or emotionally. And that’s OK,” Van Lith told the media Saturday. “I’m at a really good spot. I’m excited to play. … TCU is looking to go to the Sweet 16 for the first time ever, so that’s a lot bigger than whatever else the narrative could be.”
It’s easy to say the right thing in a press conference when you know the question is coming. It’s a lot harder to avoid getting sucked into the emotion of the situation once the ball is tipped.
Early on, Louisville’s pressure defense got to Van Lith and forced her into two turnovers in the first 30 seconds of the game. It seemed as though it could be a long night, but to Van…
