Clemson Match Thread 9-17-16 7:00 p.m. EST
Sept 18, 2016 3:32:09 GMT -5
nyline and Millennium like this
Post by seeyajohn on Sept 18, 2016 3:32:09 GMT -5
I'm not sure how much these matches tell us about what to expect in the B1G. This year's team looks better than last year's team in the back row despite losing Megan Courtney. That's due to the impressive start of Kendall White at libero enabling a combination of her and Keeton Holcomb to be on the floor in half of the rotations. On the other hand our six rotation players struggle a bit in the back row.
It really seems that success will depend heavily on a return to form by Ali Frantti. She's struggling to put the ball down even against weaker teams and is being targeted on serve receive. If she can return to her freshman year form then I think PSU is a top five team in the B1G and in the top 15 nationally. If not, then a bottom half finish in the B1G is a real possibility.
The Lions should win their first two league matches, although one can never be too confident going into Evanston. But the real test will come when they host the two Michigans. Those teams are currently ranked just below Penn State in the AVCA rankings. If this team is good enough to be among the better teams in the league they should sweep Michigan and Michigan State at home. That weekend will be a big test!
It really seems that success will depend heavily on a return to form by Ali Frantti. She's struggling to put the ball down even against weaker teams and is being targeted on serve receive. If she can return to her freshman year form then I think PSU is a top five team in the B1G and in the top 15 nationally. If not, then a bottom half finish in the B1G is a real possibility.
The Lions should win their first two league matches, although one can never be too confident going into Evanston. But the real test will come when they host the two Michigans. Those teams are currently ranked just below Penn State in the AVCA rankings. If this team is good enough to be among the better teams in the league they should sweep Michigan and Michigan State at home. That weekend will be a big test!
