The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Volleyball quotes before Wednesday's practice
10.10.2012 | Volleyball
Oct. 10, 2012
Texas Volleyball Media Availability Quotes
Oct. 10, 2012
Head Coach Jerritt Elliott
On his team's 8-0 winning streak: We've got a little bit more experience with some of our younger players. We've found the lineup that we've been consistent with and players playing next to each other. We've done a nice job. We've been a lot more productive in terms of how to be productive at the net and our offensive numbers have gone up.
On his change in offensive scheme: We went from a 6-2 to a 5-1, which means that there are five hitters and one setter. It just allows the rhythm of one setter to be a little more consistent and the players next to her. Haley [Eckerman] has allowed us to do that by being able to hit it out of the backcourt a little bit more. That's been a big key for us in terms of her production out of the backcourt.
On his team's recent ranked opponents: Right now it's important for the RPI. The teams that we've been playing last week and this week are very high in the RPI. We need that for our potential NCAA seeding down the road. These are all important matches. We have Kansas coming Friday, who is undefeated right now (in the Big 12). It's a big match for us and it looks like they're who we're going to battle for the Big 12 Championship.
On Friday night's opponent Kansas: This is a critical match for us. Kansas is having a terrific year. They are 16-2 right now. They are playing at a very high level. For us to win the Big 12, we're going to have to win here on Friday night. We're going to need the fans to come out and support us. I know that there's a lot going on with the OU football game and ACL, but it's going to be a big match for us and Kansas is good. We respect them.
On whether his team gained valuable experience playing in Louisville: Yes, we got a lot out of that trip. It was a long trip. Playing at the [KFC] Yum! Center in Louisville was very different--it's a very large arena. They seat 22,000. The depth perception is a little different. The game seems like it moves a little bit slower. We had a hard time adjusting early on in the match. We finally got our rhythm and competed at a high level. We had to battle back which was great and it was the first time that we've been able to win in five sets.
On his message to his team when they arrived at the KFC Yum! Center: The very first time that we walked into that gym, I called them into the center of the court and put my foot on the ground and said, "Right here, in nine weeks, someone is going to win the National Championship. We could be dog piling right here." That was the purpose of this trip--to play in this type of atmosphere against a very good team. Most importantly, to get accustomed to that size of a gym. It's very, very large and it's different playing in that kind of arena.
On the importance of winning at home after a long road trip: We need to be able to continue what we've done in the Big 12 right now. We need to get our rhythm. There are still a lot of areas that we can improve on in terms of our balance on offense. We're getting closer, but we need to be able to build that trust in our gym. It's going to be critical for us to play a high level Friday night.
Freshman middle blocker Molly McCage
On playing in the KFC Yum! Center: It was really big. The arena was kind of intimidating at first. We've played in arenas sort of like that. After the first practice, we sort of got used to it. After that, we were pretty comfortable.
On what the key is to her team's recent winning streak: We've been coming together a lot--outside the court--after practice or before practice. We've been really gelling together. I think we finally know the purpose of playing together as one. I feel like we've mastered that so far.
On her team's change in offensive scheme: We're in a 5-1 right now. It's a little different. I think it's been successful. I don't know how it would be because we haven't tried the 6-2 in conference. So far the 5-1 has worked. I think we should just keep it.
On what Elliott said to his team during their first practice at the KFC Yum! Center: Before practice, he pulled us all in to the middle of the court and he said, "This is where you guys will be dog piling. This is where the National Championship is. You guys need to imagine your experience here." That really fired us up before practice.
On whether their recent road trip was beneficial for her team: Yes, of course. We got our bearings. We got really comfortable. I think once we get there [to Louisville for the NCAA National Championship] it won't be as much of a shock or anything. We'll just be comfortable because we've been there before.
On whether Elliott's speech resonated with her: It really gave me chills. I've never been in that position; I've never won a National Championship, of course. Just imagining that and that whole feeling of winning on the court is just amazing. I hope that we get that feeling.
On the importance of the upcoming match against Kansas: It's important. We need to focus this week. We need to really practice hard. We know that Kansas is undefeated and we need to execute during these practices. I think we can take them on.
Freshman outside hitter/setter Nicole Dalton
On her team's recent road trip at matchups against ranked opponents: It was awesome. The road trip was long. It felt like we were gone for a while. But it was fun leaving and going on the chartered plane. It was a lot of fun. It was nice. Kansas State was a really good match. It was great environment. The gym was freezing cold, but we came out with a 3-0 win, which is really awesome. They're a good team, along with Louisville, as well. It was a longer match. We went five sets with them, but it was a lot of fun.
On her team losing a set to Louisville for the first time in seven matches: It was different. It was obviously longer, but I think it just took us a little bit longer to get going at the beginning of each set. It wasn't too much different. We just weren't used to losing a set and coming back, down 2-1.
On whether playing a close match in the KFC Yum! Center will benefit her team: I think it will help us a lot, just being in that environment. We've played in big gyms at West Virginia and [other] basketball arenas. I think it was good to experience that since it was so big. Not too many people were there, but being there in the Final Four would be amazing. We were on the floor talking before practice about how this is where we could be.
On what Elliott told his team at the KFC Yum! Center: He brought us all into the middle and said, "This is where you guys could be dog piling for the championship match, after you guys win." I got chills. It was awesome.
On what the key has been to her team's recent winning streak: I think just coming together as a team. Instead of playing as individuals, we came together and talked about what each of us individually needs. Then, just going from there and working together as a unit, instead of as individuals.
On whether her team embraced the message Elliott was trying to get across by scheduling the Louisville match: Yes, I think we did. It was big match. Louisville is a great team. I think we did embrace it. The Final Four is obviously going to be a lot bigger match. It was good to embrace it and get a feel for the arena.
On how beating Kansas could give her team an edge in Big 12 play: It is important to us. I think we're going into the match as just another match. We're practicing hard this whole week until that match. I think we just need to keep our focus on one point at a time and one match at a time, no matter who the opponent is.
On how often her team discusses their championship ambitions: It comes up. As we were in Kentucky at the Yum! Center, it came up because that's where it will be played. We're always looking for that. It's always in the back of our mind. There is always a picture in our minds about where we went to be and what our goals are. That's what we have to fight for every day, so it comes up quite a bit.
