The No. 8 Longhorns (18-4, 21-1 in Big 12) had a quartet of players with double-digit kills Saturday against Kansas State, which was more than enough as the team rolled to a four-set win over the Wildcats.

Sophomore Bailey Webster, freshman Haley Eckerman, junior Sha’Dare McNeal and senior Rachael Adams were sensational, but they attributed their strong game to setter Michelle Kocher, who came in early in the match to replace sophomore Hannah Allison.

“I think Michelle has been setting really well in practice. She just kind of had a really good demeanor about it,” said head coach Jerritt Elliott. “I felt like our rhythm wasn’t good. It didn’t have all to do with Hannah. But I just felt like I had seen some good stuff out of Michelle in the last few weeks of practice. I just felt like it could happen.”

Kocher performed well in her time on the court, placing balls well for her hitters while leading the Longhorns with 40 assists.

“I had confidence in what she could do, and I knew she would come in and do a good job for us,” Elliott said. “We have a lot of talent. That’s the great part about this team. But it’s been bigger that she’s been ready to come in and play, and play at that level.”

Printed on Monday, November 14, 2011 as: Kocher creates opportunities in win