Match 3: Texas vs. UCLA: Quotes
Dec. 4, 2010
POST-MATCH QUOTES On the decision to insert Hannah Allison: It was a gutsy one. Hannah had not had a lot of repetitions. She's been out almost two months, and even in the warm-ups, her rhythm wasn't that good. Hannah has shown me that she's a gamer, and she's always been a gamer. She's got the personality. She's extremely competitive. I just felt like we got flat and I felt like she could give us a spark. We had confidence in her, and she did a fantastic job. On the team's blocking improving late in the match: We were struggling early. We finally got some match-ups that we wanted. It's hard to win when you're only putting up a half block a game against a top 10 opponent like UCLA.
On continuing the season: This group has been through adversity, and they've built trust with one another. They really care about winning and what's important for Texas Volleyball. They're selfless, and they play really hard for one another.
Senior outside hitter Juliann Faucette On what she felt helped get the team excited: I think our passers really buckled down at that point. Being down 0-5, and 6-1, we have to step it up at that point knowing that we're tied up 1-1 in the match. They're a good team. What Hannah [Allison] said is true -- the dynamic of the game, it kind of changed. We stepped up passing-wise, we started picking better attacking selections. Hannah's tempos were just on. On if she ever doubted the team would make it to the NCAA Regional: No, I think that's why our team has done so well. No matter what our circumstances have been throughout the season, we just kept believing. We've had confidence and obviously, our 17-match winning streak is building confidence. I think through the adversity, we've really just come together as a team. The chemistry is great and we just believe in each other.
Junior middle blocker Rachael Adams On how the team handled UCLA's defense: We knew we had to buckle down defensively to match their defense mentality. They are like Iowa State and a lot of teams in our conference, but they're small players and they are known for defense. We knew we had to buckle down.
Freshman setter Hannah Allison On dealing with nerves: Coach Elliott did a really good job of letting me stay in good rhythm with the starters even though I was out. It was a combination of that and I had played a few points in the UTSA match just to get the jitters out. Coming in and feeling comfortable with my teammates, no matter if it's me or Michelle [Kocher], we just come in comfortable because we've played with everyone for a really long time this season.
UCLA Post-match quotes On the changes made in Texas' lineup: In general, Texas spun their dial with their set up. Hannah Allison came out and set up a great game. But in sets one and two, we knew how to set our lineup to match Texas'. Then, in set three, he rotated three spots. From that point we were blocking different hitters than we anticipated. This caused an unusual matchup for us. After that switch, the dynamic of the game shifted. The new matchup was beneficial for them. On what Texas should focus on for their success: They are very physical. That will help them greatly. I think at this point in the season you need to exploit other teams' weaknesses and hide your own. I don't mean it in a negative way. I think Texas is very physical, but they are going to need to focus on their ball control if they are going to continue to win. As soon as they got back on track tonight it was lights out.
Senior outside hitter Dicey McGraw On the future of the team: Next year will be awesome. The team will be just as strong next year. We have so many freshmen that are going to help the team. I'm already looking forward to watching.
Sophomore opposite hitter Rachel Kidder |
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