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Dec. 12, 2010

Recap |  Box Score |  Notes |  Photo Gallery 

Head Coach Jerritt Elliott
Opening Statement: Well first I'd like to congratulate the Purdue program for the great season they had. They came out with a great game plan and had us on our heels in the beginning. Unfortunately Jaclyn Hart got hurt, and our team rallied behind that. I thought their back up setter did a nice job and put them in a position to win game 4. But this team has found a way to win all season long, and I'm proud of them. Most importantly though, I looked up to the crowd today, and it was the first time I felt like we had a complete program with back to back near sell outs. The support from the community has been tremendous. I just want to make sure I thank the city of Austin and Longhorn fans for being a part of this program. We're excited to go back to the Final Four for the third straight year. It's a tremendous accomplishment.

On Purdue losing their setter to injury: When you lose a quality setter it took them some time to get their rhythm. We went on a run and used the tempo to go from there. We did a much better job in game 3. Jaclyn is a star player. It's difficult to lose someone like that. But their team never gave up, and I've got a lot of respect for that program.

Senior outside hitter Juliann Faucette
On the difference of this year's team: Well we had a lot of injuries throughout the season, so we had to rally through that. Starting off the season with five losses is not something this program has been used to in the last few years. But we made a decision as a team to make it to the Final Four, and our staff rallied around us. We had high goals for ourselves throughout the entire season, and I think that's why it's so different just because of the adversity we've had to deal with. We still came together, and this team has a huge heart.

On her emotions after the win: Just the feeling of seeing this packed crowd in burnt orange for the second night in a row and knowing that they're a huge reason for why we're here was amazing. The emotions are flowing, as I'm making it to my third Final Four. It's my senior year, and to be able to lead a team to do something great is something I've always wanted to do. We're not finished yet. I'm really excited to have made it to this point, but we're going to keep pushing.

Junior setter Michelle Kocher
On overcoming adversity: Like Juliann said I think adversity has been the theme throughout the whole year with injuries. This game was no different. It wasn't pretty at times, but I think what makes our team special is that we know how to respond. That's very important for any team.

On Purdue's performance after losing Jaclyn Hart: I think whenever there is a sub there's always a little bit of an adjustment, and that's something they had to respond to. At first it was just a momentum shifter if anything because they're back up setter came in and did a really great job. We just used the momentum and went from there.

Junior middle blocker Rachael Adams
On the difference between the first set and the rest of the match: Well we didn't respond very well in the first set when they came out swinging and digging every single ball. We started playing timid, and our block was timid. We just weren't making good plays. Then, we finally came out and told ourselves we have to hit back and make plays if we want to stay with them.

On finishing in four games instead of five: Fifth sets are something you hope to stay away from. In the fourth game we wanted to catch up and close it out. After the timeout we wanted to come out and finish it. We got the crowd behind us and made some plays and were able to finish out the match.

On this being a more special trip to the Final Four: This season has been very special. The people we're bringing along with us are making it very fun. For instance, this is Lauren Dickson's first trip to a tournament. This is a big thing that we're all doing together, and honestly I wouldn't have it any other way.

Purdue Post-match Quotes

Head coach Dave Shondell:
General Statement: I am extremely proud of our volleyball team. We dealt with adversity this year. We didn't think we would lose our All-American setter in the first game of the match against Texas. I was so proud of the way our team responded. We have a nice setter, Rachel Davis, she responded well. When you are on the road playing a talented team like Texas, you can lose a couple of games rather quickly. That is what happened tonight. In spite of which, I am very proud of our performance and the way we almost took this to a fifth set tonight. Texas is a talented team. What great athletes this university has, they should do very well next week. I think it will be a very good final four.

On Senior Setter Jaclyn Hart: I think it is time people understand. Senior Setter Jaclyn Hart's father was diagnosed with cancer about six weeks ago. For the last month everyone knew it was just a matter of time. She would practice with us once or twice a week and the rest of the time she would be home. So when the girls say Rachel Davis got some playing time, she did because she was often the only one there. I have never seen an individual handle that type of a family situation better in my entire life. She became my hero this season. The last couple of years she has played well, but never taken control of this team. This year, she took control of this team, as well as a lot of other things. Last night, her dad passed away. She got a phone call at midnight letting her know. The last thing he said was, "When I go, I'll be able to watch you play." He watched her play tonight. He was so proud of her. Her story is bigger than her injury tonight. She has persevered this season better than anyone I've ever known.

On the tournament's value: We've been to the Sweet 16 a few times, and the experience is always worth it. Beating Florida gave us great confidence. We are going to miss two, four year starters, but tonight we got to see the youth on our team perform very well. I am just thrilled to be coaching this volleyball team.

Sophomore outside hitter Ariel Turner
On playing without Senior Setter Jaclyn Hart: It took a little time to make the adjustments. But we play great in practice, and I just think we needed to gel more. Once we did that, we gained our rhythm and really believed we could compete.

On Texas as an opponent and playing in Austin: Texas has a lot of experience playing in the Sweet 16 and the Final 4. We had three freshmen. That level of experience makes a big difference, but in spite of which, I think we looked strong tonight. I think the crowd was definitely in favor of Texas, but I don't think it affected us or our performance.

Sophomore defensive specialist Carly Cramer
On playing without Senior Setter Jaclyn Hart: We missed her leadership, but [Freshman Setter] Rachel Davis is an excellent player. I don't think Texas realized how good she actually was. I took us a little bit to respond to the changes, but I think we responded really well I thought.

On the future for the team: I think this experience is going to be huge for us. We are losing some players that are going to be missed but overall, playing here was invaluable and it going to spur us on to play just as hard next season.