Huskers Arrive in Gainesville

Gainesville, Fla. ? The No. 1 ranked Nebraska volleyball team practiced for 90 minutes Thursday afternoon at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center, finishing preparations for Friday’s Sweet 16 contest against No. 14 San Diego.

The Huskers will take on San Diego Friday at 3:30 p.m. (central) and the match will be carried on the Husker Sports Network, including B107.3 FM.In addtition, the match will be shown across the state on MY TV (Ch. 110 on Time Warner Cable Digital tier) and WOWT-DT (Ch. 248 on Cox Cable in Omaha), along with a complete list of stations.

Prior to Thursday’s practice, Head Coach John Cook joined senior co-captain Dani Busboom and sophomore Rachel Schwartz in talking with the assembled media in talking about this weekend’s regional.

Nebraska Head Coach John Cook:
Opening remarks:
“We’re excited to be here. This is a big weekend for everybody. I actually saw an alligator this morning outside of my hotel, so I know we’re in Gator country. It was a real alligator ? no kidding.”

On facing San Diego again:
“They’ve moved a couple players around, so they’re a completely different look from when we played them. It’s a different time of the year and we are a lot better than we were when we played them the first time and I think their coach would say the same thing. They have a new libero now. They’ve made some changes. They played great last weekend and won their conference. They’ve had a tremendous season. I talked to Brent in Lincoln when we played them back in August and he really thought they would have a great team this year and he’s right.”

On how to stop San Diego’s Kristen Carlson:
“She’s averaging over five kills per game, so if you want to be in the ball game, you have to slow her down. We’ve got a couple ways that we’re working on that. They run a lot of middle and Dawson and Abrahamson are both averaging more than three kills per game as middles, so you have to defend their middle attack as well. It’s pretty clear if you look at their stats who’s getting the most kills.”

On what his message to the team is:
“We tell them two plus two equals four. It’s simple. We know what we need to do, we just go out and do it. You probably simplify it more this time of year. They know what they need to do. They’ve heard the scouting reports over and over all year long. We have a very veteran team. They played in the national championship last year. They know what it takes and now it’s a matter of letting the big dogs run ? that’s what I always tell them.”

On if the team changes its practice habits:
“It’s the same routine, just a little shorter. You’ve got to zero in on your reps. The time you have goes by really quickly.”

On if the team is playing at the level he thought it could:
“I try not to get caught up in where I think we should be or where we can be. I think it’s a journey every day. You work on making those kids and that team the best they can be and where they end up is the path they’re going to take. I try not to place expectations on this group. You try to show them and teach them what to do to play their best as a team. They certainly have done a tremendous job of embracing that and working towards that and that’s why I think we’ve had such a successful season.”

Dani Busboom:
On facing San Diego again:
“I remember that they didn’t have very many errors and they kept the ball in play. It was a pretty fact paced game. They’re a smart team and they’ll be a challenge for us. Every team from now will be a challenge. I think we’re looking forward to playing them again.”

On being a veteran on the team and what she tells the younger players:
“Mainly to have confidence and have fun and don’t let little things get you down. If you make an error, it’s easy to let it snowball. We’re all here ? all the older girls are backing them up and we trust them just as much as we trust ourselves.”

On if she has a sense of urgency in her last go-rounds:
“It’s the last chance I’ve got, so I’m going to do everything I can to help the team win. It’s a matter of going out there, being intense, staying in the moment and enjoying it. If you don’t enjoy it you’re not going to win.”

On the support of her family:
“My family’s been unreal. At every home match I’ve had almost 10 family members. They buy tickets to every match and they come. I think my parents have missed only four matches home and away since I’ve been a freshman. They’ve made it a priority to come watch me play and support me. When I’m feeling down they don’t baby me ? they tell me how it is. They’ve definitely been a gigantic part of my career here.”

Rachel Schwartz:
On being in Gainesville:
“This is my first regional away from Nebraska and you realize that you have to bring your best game here.”

On blocking out nerves:
“I had this conversation with someone earlier this year. It’s just a matter of keeping faith in yourself and making sure that you remember how good you can play. Michael Jordan said that he sees outside distractions and fear as an illusion. That’s what I do. I see myself breaking through and wanting to make big plays.”

On what she’s been through as a former walk-on:
“This has been my dream and that’s what kept me going. I have a vision of where I want to be and how good I want to be. That’s what drives me, along with the other players and coaches. Your teammates are a huge part of your life now. You have to keep everything in perspective for them.”