Oct. 1, 2012

Ole Miss head coach Joe Getzin:

Opening statement…
“We went on the road this weekend and lost a tough one at Alabama. I thought we had our chances going into the fourth game to take it to five. When you hit the fifth game, anything can happen. We just didn’t take care of the ball on the fourth set. Down the stretch it was 22-22 and we didn’t make a couple of plays that we needed to make. That’s a tough one for us. We should have won that one. We were playing without Kara Morgan. She’s our top player as far as our hitting percentage and kill percentage. She had a sprained ankle and just couldn’t make it on Friday evening. We turned around and went into South Carolina. They were a team that had been playing very well. We took care of business and swept them in three sets. Kara (Morgan) did play on Sunday and I think she was a big difference for us. Now we get to come home. We play Kentucky and Arkansas, two of the better teams in the SEC. Two of the most physical teams in the SEC. The only thing that I ask is for you to come out and see us. I know Friday night is football night for you guys, but Sunday would be a great day to see the game against Arkansas. They’re tied for the league lead in SEC West play.”

On noticeable improvements throughout the season…
“We’re getting better offensive production. That seems to be headed in the right direction for us. Our senior play is starting to come on a little bit. Amanda Philpot is doing a great job. Up until her sprained ankle, Kara Morgan is one of the best outside hitters in the league. She’s been a really pleasant surprise for us. We’re really young in the middle. Our middles continue to improve each game. We’re becoming a much more well-rounded and balanced team.”

On Kentucky and Arkansas on Friday and Sunday…
“Kentucky has a 6’4’’ outside hitter. We haven’t seen that type of size from the pins, up to this point. Arkansas is also a very big, physical team. We’re going to have to clean up our side a little bit and continue to put pressure on the other team. We’re getting better at doing that. I’m excited about being at home and playing these two teams.”