|
|
Post by ethankasales on Dec 15, 2019 0:09:07 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by stillkicking on Dec 15, 2019 6:47:50 GMT -5
Sorry to hear that, but we still love our Lady Lions
|
|
|
|
Post by nyline on Dec 15, 2019 8:13:36 GMT -5
The future starts now! I am an optimist, and I believe that one way or another, Coach Rose will address the weaknesses of this team. Also, I'm going to reiterate that in addressing the merits or deficiencies of players, we need to use respectful language. These kids work hard. We can say we don't think they are playing well, or don't think they are good enough, but no need to trash them with extreme or nasty language. |
|
|
|
Post by yogi on Dec 15, 2019 10:35:05 GMT -5
Nyline, while I enjoy this site and appreciate the information shared, as evidenced with my generous contribution to help offset your operating cost, we also need some balanced banter as fans of this program. I admire that you are an optimist and always wear the “Rose” colored glasses. However, I think it is fair to discuss the challenges and shortcoming of this team. That makes their unexpected accomplishments all that more gratifying when Russ and the girls prove us wrong! However, we have some serious holes that need to be addressed to bring this program back to regularly competing for a national championship. I think this should be open for community discussion. Beyond the need for some quality pins, we are one injury away with our MB from having a another significant issue. We have two all world MBs starting, but have none other on the roster and none verbally committed to us over the next two recruiting classes. We will also need one of our smalls to fill a big hole in replacing Kendall, not just physically but also emotionally. I saw glimmers with Hampton but she is not there yet and had some passing struggles as of late. Will these get addressed by Russ and his coaches. I fully expect that they will. But having these open discussions is what makes community sites special.
|
|
|
|
Post by nyline on Dec 15, 2019 10:45:01 GMT -5
Nyline, while I enjoy this site and appreciate the information shared, as evidenced with my generous contribution to help offset your operating cost, we also need some balanced banter as fans of this program. I admire that you are an optimist and always wear the “Rose” colored glasses. However, I think it is fair to discuss the challenges and shortcoming of this team. That makes their unexpected accomplishments all that more gratifying when Russ and the girls prove us wrong! However, we have some serious holes that need to be addressed to bring this program back to regularly competing for a national championship. I think this should be open for community discussion. Beyond the need for some quality pins, we are one injury away with our MB from having a another significant issue. We have two all world MBs starting, but have none other on the roster and none verbally committed to us over the next two recruiting classes. We will also need one of our smalls to fill a big hole in replacing Kendall, not just physically but also emotionally. I saw glimmers with Hampton but she is not there yet and had some passing struggles as of late. Will these get addressed by Russ and his coaches. I fully expect that they will. But having these open discussions is what makes community sites special. I basically don't disagree with anything you wrote, but most importantly, you wrote it respectfully. And, fwiw, my post definitely wasn't directed at you. You are always fair-minded and respectful. Here's my test: Would you say what you are posting if you were sitting across a table from all of these people: 1) the player's parents, 2) Coach Rose, 3) your boss, 4) the person whose opinion you value most in the world, and 5) the player. If you would, then go for it. If you're not sure, then maybe rethink what you are saying and how you are saying it. Again, not directed at you. |
|
|
|
Post by pennstate1973 on Dec 15, 2019 11:44:22 GMT -5
One thing that would be helpful to work on next season is serving tougher. Serving is good but it has to be better to disrupt teams that can handle our serves.
I agree with yogi our MBs are at a world class level. They can be unstoppable when the team is in system. Need to be in system more to set them more next season.
Also I acknowledge that past success has skewed my expectations beyond what is realistic. The regional finals is a very good accomplishment. No program is going to make it to the final four every year. There is more and more parity rising up throughout the country. I don't see another era of NC after NC happening again. There are too many elite players distributed among the top 20 teams.
|
|
|
|
Post by ethankasales on Dec 15, 2019 11:58:23 GMT -5
I just finished transcribing the quotes from last night’s press conference and added them to the recap. Russ Rose, Tori Gorrell, and Serena Gray represented the Nittany Lions. Unfortunately, Gray, who was named to the Stanford all-regional team alongside Gorrell, didn’t get asked a question, but the other two gave great answers that are certainly worth reading.
|
|
|
|
Post by yogi on Dec 15, 2019 12:07:11 GMT -5
One thing that would be helpful to work on next season is serving tougher. Serving is good but it has to be better to disrupt teams that can handle our serves. I agree with yogi our MBs are at a world class level. They can be unstoppable when the team is in system. Need to be in system more to set them more next season. Also I acknowledge that past success has skewed my expectations beyond what is realistic. The regional finals is a very good accomplishment. No program is going to make it to the final four every year. There is more and more parity rising up throughout the country. I don't see another era of NC after NC happening again. There are too many elite players distributed among the top 20 teams. Great perspective! If Stanford does go on to win the NC this year, then that class will have won 3 of the last 4. It can be done but will take a special recruiting class to repeat in the future. The parity will hopefully increase the popularity and following of the sport but will also add even more stressful times to us dinosaurs who have been around the early days of PSU domination. |
|
|
|
Post by elliotberton on Dec 15, 2019 16:11:04 GMT -5
So to be fair, during many interviews and press conferences, our players uniformly tell us that their goal is to win National Championships. History tells us that such aspirations are not just wishful thinking.
While watching matches I often have emotional reactions. But I see no reason to criticize players (who know better than I when they have not executed properly) or to dispute comments made by my friends on this site (who after all want the same thing that I want).
I do think that we don't always give enough credit to our opponents. Most times, errors by our team are "forced" by something the opponent is doing. For example, a spate of serving errors likely results from the desire to "serve tough." Stanford has a pretty fantastic collection of talent, tested with one of the toughest schedules possible, led by excellent coaches. We played well, but Stanford was just better. Next year, Stanford won't have all of those players. I expect PSU to have high expectations again.
|
|
|
|
Post by elliotberton on Dec 15, 2019 16:20:21 GMT -5
I just finished transcribing the quotes from last night’s press conference and added them to the recap. Russ Rose, Tori Gorrell, and Serena Gray represented the Nittany Lions. Unfortunately, Gray, who was named to the Stanford all-regional team alongside Gorrell, didn’t get asked a question, but the other two gave great answers that are certainly worth reading. Thanks for adding the quotes and the outstanding contributions provided to this site. We are very fortunate to have our own stringer. |
|
|
|
Post by pennstate1973 on Dec 15, 2019 17:08:50 GMT -5
So to be fair, during many interviews and press conferences, our players uniformly tell us that their goal is to win National Championships. PSU and dozens of other teams. Common sense says not all these teams will reach their goal. |
|
|
|
Post by pennstate1973 on Dec 15, 2019 17:10:21 GMT -5
But I see no reason to criticize players... You do realize that is one of the main reasons for the existence of sports message boards. |
|
|
|
Post by pennstate1973 on Dec 15, 2019 17:12:28 GMT -5
Most times, errors by our team are "forced" by something the opponent is doing. For example, a spate of serving errors likely results from the desire to "serve tough." You do have a firm grasp on the obvious. |
|
|
|
Post by pennstate1973 on Dec 15, 2019 17:13:55 GMT -5
I expect PSU to have high expectations again. Has there ever been a season PSU did not have high expectations? |
|
|
|
Post by nyline on Dec 15, 2019 17:15:57 GMT -5
Most times, errors by our team are "forced" by something the opponent is doing. For example, a spate of serving errors likely results from the desire to "serve tough." You do have a firm grasp on the obvious. Ouch. I think the point elliotberton was making was that all too often, sports fans get riled up because they don't have that firm grasp of the obvious. |
|
