An easy sweep: 25-19, 15, 12

Aside from a near total collapse in Set 1 (we nearly blew a 16-4 lead, allowing UTSA to close to 21-18 before closing out the set), this was a solid match against a poor opponent. Adekunle had arguably her worst match of the year, so much so that Genny benched her in the 3rd set. On the positive side, Courtley rebounded from back-to-back sub-par performances last weekend with a very efficient effort (10 kills, 2 errors, .421, 2 aces) and Maruska had a second straight all-around strong performance (9 kills, 2 errors, .350, 3 aces, 4 digs). Offensively, we only hit .250 for the match, which would be okay against an elite team, but not UTSA.

Over the past 2 - 3 matches Genny has made adjustments in our service game. Courtley has replaced Mansfield in the service rotation, and Rawlings has replaced Adekunle for the most part (especially late in matches). It paid off today as we had 10 aces (which is the most we've had in ages) against only 5 service errors. Of course, we weren't playing a Top 100 team, but still it's an improvement in an area which has been a weak link.

I suspect Louisiana Tech will test us a bit more on Sunday in Rustin, as they're now 2-0 at home, and swept a decent Charlotte squad tonight.

FYI, freshman Taylor Johnson was not dressed for the match.

I sat roughly where the band's drums would have been (up, centered) and got to watch the serves.
It's amazing how much movement they get on a solidly-hit, no-spin serve - the ball can move nearly a full ball-width laterally, and pretty much at random.

LSU picks up their 2nd big win of the week. The defeated #15 Kentucky in 5 sets.

(09-24-2022 03:34 PM)dragon2owl Wrote:  LSU picks up their 2nd big win of the week. The defeated #15 Kentucky in 5 sets.

This is going to really help our RPI.

(09-23-2022 10:40 PM)Grungy Wrote:  I sat roughly where the band's drums would have been (up, centered) and got to watch the serves.
It's amazing how much movement they get on a solidly-hit, no-spin serve - the ball can move nearly a full ball-width laterally, and pretty much at random.

VB’s version of a knuckleball.

(09-24-2022 04:05 PM)Tomball Owl Wrote:  

(09-23-2022 10:40 PM)Grungy Wrote:  I sat roughly where the band's drums would have been (up, centered) and got to watch the serves.
It's amazing how much movement they get on a solidly-hit, no-spin serve - the ball can move nearly a full ball-width laterally, and pretty much at random.

VB’s version of a knuckleball.

I was at Marquette v. DePaul this week being up here for work. Marquette has clear talent, but they didn't look better than Rice who they are ranked ahead of.

DePaul's libero didn't have a jump serve. She stood behind the basketball baseline and absolutely schwacked it with no spin. 50/50 it either went too far and was let go or got a late break and danced completely unpredictably in play. Marquette's defense was twitchy enough to react and dig well, but she could probably rack up some aces on lesser teams.

After a long review, Owls are awarded set point, 25-17, at LA Tech.

Video is distant with no commentary so I’m not sure what was being reviewed. I’m guessing with kill attempt by LA Tech was in or out. Called in by the official, but evidently overruled on review.

(09-25-2022 01:35 PM)Tomball Owl Wrote:  After a long review, Owls are awarded set point, 25-17, at LA Tech.

Video is distant with no commentary so I’m not sure what was being reviewed. I’m guessing with kill attempt by LA Tech was in or out. Called in by the official, but evidently overruled on review.

Defense is off today. 14-12 in the 2nd.

Owls win set 2 25-18

Owls finish the sweep 25-15.

Easy sweep, but offense again not fully in sync...and no blocking game. Having said that our middle blockers dominated on offense as Adekunle and Kostelecky combined for 19 kills, 4 errors in only attempts. Anota also had career highs in digs (7) and services aces (3). Bichelmeyer (11 kills, 2 solo blocks) and Maruska (11 kills, 1 1/2 blocks, 11 digs) were also solid. Courtley had another off day offensively, but did contribute 8 digs and one solo block. Defense had 69 digs in just 3 sets which is an extremely high number. Second consecutive match we had more service aces (7) than errors (6).

Oregon swept Stanford. Kentucky swept LSU in their 2nd match this weekend.

(09-25-2022 03:39 PM)dragon2owl Wrote:  Oregon swept Stanford. Kentucky swept LSU in their 2nd match this weekend.

Really odd how UK and LSU took turns sweeping each other (both matches played at Kentucky).

(09-25-2022 04:06 PM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  

(09-25-2022 03:39 PM)dragon2owl Wrote:  Oregon swept Stanford. Kentucky swept LSU in their 2nd match this weekend.

Really odd how UK and LSU took turns sweeping each other (both matches played at Kentucky).

LSU won the first match in 5 sets.

(09-24-2022 04:14 PM)That Guy 2012 Wrote:  DePaul's libero didn't have a jump serve. She stood behind the basketball baseline and absolutely schwacked it with no spin. 50/50 it either went too far and was let go or got a late break and danced completely unpredictably in play. Marquette's defense was twitchy enough to react and dig well, but she could probably rack up some aces on lesser teams.

Sounds like a regular Phil Niekro.

Rice moves up a spot in this week's AVCA poll. LSU picked up votes after their win over Arkansas and 1-1 weekend at Kentucky.

1. Texas (1600 points)
13. Baylor (767)
16. Oregon (654)
21. Creighton (327)
22. Rice (263)
25. WKU (132)

Others receiving votes and listed on two or more ballots: Michigan 104; LSU 46; Kansas 44; Towson 37; Houston 3



https://www.avca.org/polls/di-women/2022...-2022.html

(09-26-2022 02:11 PM)dragon2owl Wrote:  Rice moves up a spot in this week's AVCA poll. LSU picked up votes after their win over Arkansas and 1-1 weekend at Kentucky.

1. Texas (1600 points)
13. Baylor (767)
16. Oregon (654)
21. Creighton (327)
22. Rice (263)
25. WKU (132)

Others receiving votes and listed on two or more ballots: Michigan 104; LSU 46; Kansas 44; Towson 37; Houston 3



https://www.avca.org/polls/di-women/2022...-2022.html

Based on slipping one spot in polls and significantly declining vote totals despite back-to-back sweeps over the weekend, it appears the coaches are finally noticing WKU's rather sketchy resume with no Top 50 wins and one bad loss (swept by A&M at home).

I kind of feel like Towson is getting a raw deal. They're undefeated and beat #10 Pitt in 4 games. And they're very likely going to be undefeated entering the NCAA tournament.

McCardell wins her 4th CUSA Defensive POW honor in the first five weeks of the season. Well deserved. She's playing at all-american level, and consistently so. Better defensively than even Cunningham, and she does a good job setting up the offense after digs.