The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Volleyball’s McCage providing added block protection entering Big 12 Conference action
09.24.2013 | Volleyball
In seven non-conference matches, sophomore middle blocker Molly McCage has amassed 35 blocks and is averaging 1.13 per set.
AUSTIN, Texas -- Heralded as Prep Volleyball's top-ranked recruit in the class of 2012, sophomore middle blocker Molly McCage has made her presence at the net known to Texas' latest string of opponents.
In Texas' 3-2 win at Illinois, McCage set a career high with nine blocks. Eight days later against Nebraska, McCage came back with another physical seven that invigorated teammates and fans alike.
"[Blocking] not only fires me up, but it fires my whole team up," said McCage. "To have that solid defense on our side of the court is a huge advantage. All around we are a great blocking team, but to be able to contribute to that is a great feeling."
In seven non-conference matches, McCage has amassed 35 blocks and is averaging 1.13 per set. Only junior middle blocker Khat Bell has recorded more stuffs for the Longhorns, with 40 under her belt and an average of 1.18 per set.
This isn't McCage's first season to make an impact on the court, though. As a true freshman, she had 26 starts in 30 matches. McCage led the Longhorns by tying a season high with eight blocks in a 3-0 sweep on Dec. 15 in the national championship match against Oregon. As a freshman, McCage learned valuable lessons that she hopes to bring over into this season.
"I learned that communicating and getting to know the clockwork of this team is extremely important," McCage said. "Also, playing a lot last year really matured me. I've seen how this game works and can make mature and dependable decisions when playing. This team is really big on consistency, and I've improved in that as well by playing with my amazing teammates. Everyone on the team has so much to contribute. I'm going to try my best to give them everything that I have because they would and will do the same."
Texas head coach Jerritt Elliott values the role his middle blockers play on the defensive side of the net, and the level of physicality those players bring with them to each match.
"Blocking is an important aspect of this," noted head coach Jerritt Elliot. "Not so much about numbers, but more about how we are getting touches and putting pressure on teams. We've got the ability to be very physical, and Molly does a really good job in terms of getting there and getting square. I thought she made a few really good adjustments as the match went on. Early on, she was pretty high and then came back and got some low moves and did a really nice job for us."
McCage has already proven her value to the Longhorns early in the season, but as Big 12 Conference action begins this week, she still has bigger expectations for her personal game.
"I'd love to get more blocks for my team and more transition swings," McCage said.
Non-conference competition has come to a close, but the Longhorns are ready to take their lessons learned into league contests.
"I feel like we ended preseason on a good note and we are ready to get back to the Big 12 to compete," says McCage. "We have a lot of in-state rivals that we'll face a few times and that's going to help prepare us well for the (NCAA) tournament, which is the third portion of the season."
The Longhorns kick off Big 12 Conference play Wednesday, Sept. 25, in Fort Worth against TCU at 6:30 p.m. Central. The Horns return to Austin on Saturday, Sept. 28 to take on Oklahoma at 3 p.m. in Gregory Gymnasium.
