Post by bigfan on Sept 1, 2006 13:24:08 GMT -5
Four volleyball players return home for Asics Classic
The No. 8 Texas volleyball team jaunts into Malibu, Calif., to play No. 19 Pepperdine in the Asics Classic this weekend,
Ashley Engle, Alyson Jennings, Kiley Hall, and Brandy Magee all grew up in Orange County, just a few miles down the Pacific Coast Highway from Pepperdine.
Fresh off of a victory over No. 3 Washington at the AVCA Showcase in Wisconsin, the Longhorns aim to easily calm the Pepperdine Waves, who are returning from a disappointing trip to Hawaii where they lost two straight matches to the Rainbow Wahine.
Although Texas is riding a wave of confidence into Malibu, coach Jerritt Elliott said that his alma mater, Pepperdine, can't be underestimated.
"They lost two tight games and they're going to be a tough contender for us," Elliott said.
Texas' success in Wisconsin last weekend was due in large part to the setting of junior Michelle Moriarty, who had 64 assists in the game against Washington.
"I'd have to say those assists really came because my hitters were there for me," Moriarty said. "We really have a good relationship and we talk and know exactly where they want the ball."
Moriarty was honored as the AVCA National Player of the week for her play in Wisconsin.
"She sets up a great rhythm for the entire team, and she's one of the best setters in the country," said outside hitter Jen Christian.
Although Texas features one of the tallest teams in the country, Elliott claims that size isn't what's keeping Texas on top.
"It's more the media that's been pushing that angle," Elliott said. "The separation between us and other teams is not our size, but our ball control and our speed."
After playing Pepperdine tonight, Texas will play Cal Poly and Long Island on Saturday afternoon.
"No matter who we're playing, we've just got to focus on our side of the court and make sure we take care of things," Christian said.
The No. 8 Texas volleyball team jaunts into Malibu, Calif., to play No. 19 Pepperdine in the Asics Classic this weekend,
Ashley Engle, Alyson Jennings, Kiley Hall, and Brandy Magee all grew up in Orange County, just a few miles down the Pacific Coast Highway from Pepperdine.
Fresh off of a victory over No. 3 Washington at the AVCA Showcase in Wisconsin, the Longhorns aim to easily calm the Pepperdine Waves, who are returning from a disappointing trip to Hawaii where they lost two straight matches to the Rainbow Wahine.
Although Texas is riding a wave of confidence into Malibu, coach Jerritt Elliott said that his alma mater, Pepperdine, can't be underestimated.
"They lost two tight games and they're going to be a tough contender for us," Elliott said.
Texas' success in Wisconsin last weekend was due in large part to the setting of junior Michelle Moriarty, who had 64 assists in the game against Washington.
"I'd have to say those assists really came because my hitters were there for me," Moriarty said. "We really have a good relationship and we talk and know exactly where they want the ball."
Moriarty was honored as the AVCA National Player of the week for her play in Wisconsin.
"She sets up a great rhythm for the entire team, and she's one of the best setters in the country," said outside hitter Jen Christian.
Although Texas features one of the tallest teams in the country, Elliott claims that size isn't what's keeping Texas on top.
"It's more the media that's been pushing that angle," Elliott said. "The separation between us and other teams is not our size, but our ball control and our speed."
After playing Pepperdine tonight, Texas will play Cal Poly and Long Island on Saturday afternoon.
"No matter who we're playing, we've just got to focus on our side of the court and make sure we take care of things," Christian said.
