psumaui Scouts Hawaii: Eight Things to Know About the Wahine

psumaui Scouts Hawaii: Eight Things to Know About the Wahine

by psumaui (a Penn State fan who lives in Hawaii — go figure)

On to Iowa to face the Wahine! This is going to be a tough match, but based on watching both teams all season, I think this is one that Penn State should win. I’ve identified eight things I believe Penn State should keep in mind for the match:

1. Penn State Needs to Terminate Quickly

The Wahine are a very scrappy bunch, which makes it important for the Nittany Lions  to terminate fast. Hawaii does very well in long rallies.

2. Stick to Nikki

6-3 So. OH Nikki Taylor is Hawaii’s go-to player and has a tough jump serve (she was second on team with 19 aces). She likes to tip balls over block, but also has good tight-to-the-net cross court and down-the-line shots. Another one of her specialties is hitting from behind 10-foot line, so a good double or triple block would help to force her out of her game in that area. Bottom line: the Nittany Lions need to be really on their toes in the back court on Friday, because Nikki Taylor can hit hard from anywhere on the court.

3. But Don’t Forget Greeley, Magill, Maglio or Manu-Olevao

Even though Nikki Taylor is their go-to player, the Wahine are adept at spreading the wealth among 6-2 So. OH Kalei Greeley and both MB’s — 6-1 Sr. Olivia Magill, and 6-3 So. Emily Maglio. Both of these MB’s are good at hanging in air until opponents block comes down and then directing(tapping) the ball over the blockers in front of the 10-foot line. When Hawaii head coach Dave Shoji brings in 6-0 Sr. OH Tai Manu-Olevao, she can get hot serving(had 22 aces).