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Aug. 29, 2011

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AUSTIN, Texas - Senior All-America middle blocker Rachael Adams and freshman outside hitter Haley Eckerman combined for 26 kills to propel the fourth-ranked Texas Volleyball team to a 3-0 (25-23, 25-19, 25-23) victory over the Israel National Team, Monday night at Gregory Gymnasium. 

Eckerman recorded a team-best 15 kills on .464 hitting to headline the offense, while Adams connected for 11 kills on 14 error-free swings and hit .786. Texas out-hit Israel, .354-to-.196 in the win and posted a 12.0-to-5.0 blocking edge. 

Texas fell behind early in the first frame, but rebounded behind four kills on four swings by Adams to claim the set. The Horns came out of the gates stronger in the second, notching 7.5 team blocks as they coasted to a 25-19 set win. 

In the third and final set, Texas led 19-13 before a 7-1 Israel rally knotted the tally at 20. UT responded and used three late kills by Eckerman to overcome the rally and win the set 25-23. 

Texas returns to action on Friday, Sept. 2 when it travels to No. 11 Minnesota in match one of a two-match series. First serve is set for 7 p.m. Central. 

POST-MATCH QUOTES
Head coach Jerritt Elliott
Opening statement:  I'm very impressed with our team to be able to adjust to the different lineups we've been throwing out there.  I thought we had good chemistry tonight.  Our block was very efficient.  I thought we took some great out of system swings and ultimately when we were able to control the ball our middles were able to be very successful.  I think we're getting better and we're excited to get back in the gym and train and get ready for a very tough week ahead of us at Minnesota. 

On what made the difference tonight:  I think having Haley (Eckerman) out there and taking out of system swings was very, very important for us.  Her and Khat did a great job on their swings.  Then when we were controlling the net they couldn't stop Rachael.  This opens up everything for our offense.  Ultimately, I think our blocking is getting better therefore our defense is getting better and we're getting more swings.  We were pretty efficient until the last set.

On having size:  That's the plan.  You've got to be big and you've got to stop balls.  We're a little bit taller and longer and overall if we're able to touch balls the way we are and put that pressure on teams we can be very good. 

Freshman OH Haley Eckerman
On coming back against Israel: I think we all just knew that we had to go out there and get it done. Our upperclassmen did a great job of helping everyone out. It wasn't just one person, it was the whole team.  We worked together and that's what we have been doing in practice. 

Senior MB Rachael Adams
On how the team has grown: I feel like tonight was a good way to top off our weekend tournament. I feel like we're growing as a team, especially our confidence. Our young ones are really coming along. We definitely have some mental breaks throughout the game, and we have to learn to be consistent throughout and keep pushing. We've got to keep working and finish strong.