Eckerman Shines as Horns’ play for Fans at Annual Orange-White Scrimmage

By Steve Habel/Associate Editor

Haley Eckerman pounded 19 kills while earning stats for both sides as the Texas volleyball team staged its final controlled practice match Saturday, playing to its fans in the annual Orange-White scrimmage at Gregory Gym.

The Orange-White scrimmage, won by the Orange in five sets (26-28, 25-20, 25-21, 18-25 15-7), was more

[s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level2)] about the players getting in some more work and showcasing the team to its supporters than winning or losing.

Texas never played all its front-line players together on the same team for the controlled scrimmage as players switched from side to side after, and occasionally during, sets.

A kids camp preceded the match and an autograph session was held afterward as the Horns returned a little love to the more than 2,000 fans that turned out to watch Texas six days before it begins the season for real on Aug. 29 against UTEP in the New Mexico Tournament in Albuquerque.

“This is a great way for us to show our fans how much they mean to us and to get another look at all the players we have competing for a spot in the game-to-game rotation,” Texas coach Jerritt Elliott said. “It’s been a very tough offseason in our gym, so having this scrimmage and getting everyone a lot of playing time was fun for the players and another chance for our staff to evaluate where we are and what needs some work.”

Sophomore outside hitter Pilar Victoria, also playing for both sides, racked up 19 kills and added 20 digs. Sophomore Chloe Collins, who has taken over as the team’s primary setter this season after splitting time at the position in 2013, had 18 digs and 50 assists.

“This has been the most competitive offseason we’ve had in the four years I’ve been a part of this team, and that’s helped everybody,” Texas senior middle blocker Khat Bell said. “We are really close as a group, and we are all on the same page but that doesn’t mean we haven’t been fighting for spots on the courts and to win every point in every practice.”

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