Sunday a.m.
Last thread getting a little long so let’s move on to Sunday.
One comment that is worth repeating is that the team has voted Manu-Olevao co-captain two years running. That says a lot about how the team feels about her and her leadership.
That being said, it was obvious she struggled last night and it usually starts when her serve goes south … or into the net. A lot of pressure on these players that doesn’t exist in any other program.
The UH-OSU match should be interesting. Two old-school coaches who have adapted over the decades with the changes in the game. Had a nice chat with Liskevych and his history with hurricanes in Hawaii. Iwa with UOP, think it was Iniki when he brought the naional team and now Ignacio-Jimena. He said someone suggested that he not come to Hawaii anymore since he’s always bringing hurricanes.
OSU played better against Idaho Saturday. OSU never adjusted to WSU’s system when being swept Friday. We’ll see how UH and OSU adjust now. Hawaii had the tougher match and less recovery time.
Looks like American is taking florida to a fifth set, wow. I think American will probably beat UCLA friday.
yikes American gave up 8 straight points to end up losing set 4 , 25-23
American blew the 7 point lead and lost to Florida.
I think Wahine is going to have their hands full with American and Florida. Poss taking losses but its going to be a good matches.
First thing first got to focus on Oregon State today.
Cindy, I think you’ve made comparisons of Mitchem to Heather Bown at least a couple times recently. That’s quite the complement considering Bown is one of the best middles ever for the wahine. She wasn’t just an automatic killing machine, she was an incredible blocker. First team AA the two years she was with us and led the nation in blocking her last year. I know in your more recent post, you are talking more specifically of how she looks when she runs the slide… But just the thought that she reminds you of Heather and not some of the more recent middles that ran the slide has got me pretty darn excited : ) Hopefully she acclimates to Shoji’s system and D1 quickly.
Two of the best that executed the slide to me (since I’ve been a fan) were Heather and Anjelica.
Just got a chuckle. A poster on VT (Volleytalk) said “I’ve learned so much from posters and truly think that folks who desire all “sweetness” should go over to Cindy’s blog. LOL.”
Guess he hasn’t read all the critical comments from frustrated fans who disagree with Coach Shoji. So, all the complaints are now voiced on that site too. One guy posting on the link for this AM’s article keeps harping on switching to a 6-2 because USC has switched. Guess he is willing to gamble the whole season on an “experiment” that I assume he guarantees will work.
And, if it doesn’t, then there is next year. Ideally, you want to clone a setter, so they run a similar tempo and they can both set, hit and block, which will allow you to always have 3 hitters up front. Are you really going to set Higgins, and next year, Iosaia (if she doesn’t change her mind)? Can’t wait for Nov. LOI.
Annie went in the slide pattern at least 3 times and did not get one set from Higgins. Maybe she was suppose to be a diversion but she had no blockers on her. It takes a natural instinct to instantly identify and set the best option rather going with a set play.
#6. It may also be timing, as AM has only practiced 6x. Work in progress.
By the way, as well as she played and her good stats, felt Magill could have done better — timing of sets aside. There were a number of free balls that she did not terminate.
Maglio didn’t get going until the 3rd set too.
#5 Read the same on VT. Too funny – especially their rationalization of their own admitted mean spirited hostility as being okay because they are the more volleyball “knowledgeable” crowd.
Saw the Am. U vs UF too. Yeah, Am U totally blew it. After watching the Gators, I thinking the wahines have a chance. Thanks for sharing.
One of Shoji’s beliefs is that if you have a big gun you fire it. (aka Emily Hartong, Kim Willoughby, Tee Williams, etc.) He has a 2 time All American who played both OH and MH for Pestolsi (in the same match). Give Huff half a set, give Castillo half a set, then sit back and let Annie go to work. All that stuff about “knowing” the system is misdirection. L1 duties are the same whether you play D1, D2, or D3. Moreover, passing is sorely needed and Annie is a good passer. Throw sentimentality out the window, ditch seniority, forget titles. Play the best players!
#6 Video online of Mitchem at IVC shows her crushing the slides – very explosive. While it was against JC competition, it was still impressive. For now, Annie needs to get her school work done and learn the system. Perhaps in the near future.
UCLA down 0-2 to LMU, at home. They do not look good, could be bad for UH’s rpi.
Reason I mention Bown, similar body type. Ljugquist more between a Bown and a Duggins.
Mitchem can hit the slide, they just haven’t got the ball to her there. Not like she’s been in a lot. more as a blocking sub.
5. that is amusing since there’s plenty of unsweetness going on here. Not like I’m all sweetness and light when I get grumpy.
The anonymity of the internet is very emboldening and people think they can post anything they want with impunity. When it starts bordering on libel and harassment then perhaps my threshold for such is lower than VTs.
Don’t think it’s too much to ask to be civil with one another and about these amateur athletes.Some of the stuff that gets deleted are personal attacks and would never be said to that person’s face.
Also know that there are some on VT and other sites who have been blocked here for cause and that was a decision based on our Terms of Service which is posted below the Leave A Comment.
Contrary to what some believe, I do not have control over who is banned or blocked. And many times comments go into spam because there are words that trigger our filters.
“A lot of pressure on these players that doesn’t exist in any other program”.
Cindy, you have to be joking?
Tell that to Max Witteck. HAW plays COLorado, Ohio State, Wisconsin and Boise State in a 5-week period. Three of those games are against NR teams inc the #1 and all three are on the road. He hasnt played in two years. No apologies there.
Look, most of these athletes, male or female, live for the moment. Ask Kelly Majam. No excuses. Just let me play. I can get the job done.
Granato welcomed the challenge, she jumped into the game and executed. Ditto w Anderson. Kahakai did a cat rebound against Wichita State and TMO is a 4 year player. Shoji has been babying her… now look. For the life of me I fail to understand why she changed her position to NOT play on Sundays.
9. I suppose but Mitchem hasn’t had that many practices with the team. When she says she’s still getting used to things, then you maybe you should that into consideration.
14. I was talking about women’s volleyball.
As for Manu-Olevao’s decision, it’s hers and as mentioned numerous times she was going to get grief either way.