The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas
TCU
09.21.2015 | Volleyball
The Longhorns will open Big 12 Conference play at home on Wednesday.
#2 TEXAS vs. TCU
Gregory Gym (4,000) – Austin, Texas
Wednesday, Sept. 23, 7 p.m.
Television: Longhorn Network
All-time Series: Texas leads TCU, 9-0 (H:5-0, A:4-0)
QUICK HITS:
• Reigning Big 12 Conference Champion Texas has claimed four-straight league titles entering Wednesday's 2015 conference opener vs. TCU ... under 15th year Head Coach Jerritt Elliott, the Longhorns won outright conference crowns in 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 and a share of the 2007 and 2008 crowns ... in a vote of the league's head coaches, Texas was picked as the Preseason Big 12 Conference favorite.
• At the Wildcat Classic last weekend, senior Amy Neal led the Longhorns' offensive attack with 49 (4.45/set) kills ... in the same matches, junior Chiaka Ogbogu led the defense at the net with 13 blocks (1.08/set), while freshman Morgan Johnson had 11 and senior Molly McCage added 10 ... sophomore libero Cat McCoy is averaging 5.17 digs per set and junior Chloe Collins recorded 131 assists (10.92/set).
• Senior Molly McCage now has 394 block assists in her career, moving her into the fifth-place position on the all-time individual career blocks list. She surpassed LaKisha Bledsoe (1995-98) and is one block behind Brandy Magee (2003-07).
• The Longhorns stayed at No. 2 in the AVCA Division I Coaches Top 25 Poll (Sept. 21) ... The Longhorns have appeared in the Top 10 of the AVCA poll for 135 of the last 139 weeks ... Texas has been ranked in the AVCA Top 25 for 144 consecutive weeks, dating back to 2004.
Media Availability Quotes
Head Coach Jerritt Elliott
On this past weekend's wins and facing conference play this week: Yeah, it was a good challenge to be on the road. We got comfortable away from our own floor and that's what we need to do and get a little bit of practice as we get ready to play the Big 12. We showed some confidence, we have been to two five game matches now the girls have really stuck together during that time. It really shows a lot of grit, but a lot of teams are coming into the season very confident and they have a really good record. TCU is under a new coach and playing very well and very disciplined. We just have to execute on our side, and work real hard to be successful.
On what TCU will bring to the game: They are a lot more disciplined this year. Again, it's all about us. We need to serve well, we need to hit the right locations, we need to scheme the right way. We need to put ourselves in a position and be disciplined defensively to be able to come up with a lot of points.
On different girls stepping up when needed: It's really nice. I think we do a nice job distributing the offense. With having as much balance as we have, we can take advantage of some different situations from the opponents. I thought Molly [McCage] had a great weekend and obviously Amy [Neal]. The whole team played really well at times. We were streaky, but we had some really good spurts of balance from all the players. It's nice for our team to have that.
On seeking fifth straight Big 12 title: I think it's at the back of our heads that that's our goal. We don't even discuss it. I wouldn't be able to tell you how many we have run in a row. To be able to be the Big 12 champ, you have to play only one match at a time, so you have to focus on TCU and the key for us is how well we prepare and how well are we ready to compete, and how well we can play over the long haul. So this will be our first test and we are looking forward to it, and it should be a good match.
On apprehension for the quick turnaround to play in West Virginia: It's going to be challenging. I think we have to be up at 6:30 in the morning to catch our flight for West Virginia. It's a long flight, a lot of travel but we will get them to Morgantown and get them rested and get them in a good position to compete and get them home with a "W".
Texas Outside Hitter Amy Neal
On getting the win before the start of conference play: It was good. It was good to play away right before conference. I think it was a good test for us. Arizona has a huge crowd and it was extremely loud. It was good to be tested in those environments just to see how we respond. We responded well and it showed things we need to work on, which we have been doing this week in practice. I think it was a good thing for us. We improved a lot in those areas and I think it was a good test. We had some good wins and it showed good things that we do.
On the improvements: We showed a lot of grit. We were down against Arizona at some points, so you have to fight even if you are struggling. Just staying consistent and not letting the easy plays fall, or not letting them score on the easier things than the harder ones. So just taking care of the simpler things in the game. It was we worked on.
On expectations of TCU game: I know that they have gotten a lot better. I know they have a good coach this year and that our old volunteer assistant Brian Wright is now there as Assistant Coach, so they have some good coaches and I know that they have improved a lot. I know that they love their coach and I know that they are a good team. They have only lost to San Diego, which is a really good team, and SMU. They have improved a lot and they always bring their "A" game when they play us, so we are expecting a very good game. You can't look at anyone lightly.
On the possibility of fifth straight title: Our goal is to always win the Big 12 championship, so in the back of my mind that is my goal, but you do have to take it game by game because all the teams are getting stronger in the conference. Last year with OU that was bad, so you always have to take it game by game. And know that every team will be coming out to play their best game against you.
On depth of the squad and girls stepping up: I think that's a big thing about our team this year. That it's not just two players, it's not one go to player. Everyone can do well and our offense is really balanced, so I think it helps a lot. I think the depth helps a lot, if someone is struggling someone else can step up, so it's not as much pressure on one or two players.
On apprehension of short turnaround: It's very fast. I feel like we usually play Wednesday, Saturday but It is a quick turnaround. It will tiring and hard, but you have got adjust to it. You can't let it affect your game. They will be on us at practice when we get to West Virginia so you just have to come in with the same focus every day.
On quick turnaround this past weekend in preparing for that pace of play: I think New Mexico State was, we were obviously tired. We had a five set match the night before that went late and with the time difference. At the end of the day, like our coaches say, you have to fight through it. There is nothing you can do but come out and play. And I think that has prepared us for the quick turnarounds that we are going to have.
