#1 Penn State vs #5 Nebraska - 2017 National Semifinal Match

I would not be as disappointed as I am if the team was inconsistent the last couple of months. But, they played like a champion for so long, many of us expected a better game from them last night. Well, at least we are still tied with Stanford in the most championships for another year. I think the next year's team has a lot of potential, just needing one or two of the MB to convert to OH and/or get another one via transfer. I thoroughly enjoyed the posts from other members and wish all of you and your families a happy and a healthy holidays!

Had a hard time sleeping last night
The ending of set 4 was excruciatingly painful
To say they Should have won is an understatement
And the play in set 5 was probably as bad as they have played all season

As for next season my initial thought is the run is temporarily over
No pin hitters and you can’t win without them

Hi everyone, this is my very first post. I know, bad time for that. I've been "lurking" out there all season, and I wanted to say thanks to everyone for being able to read their comments. It certainly adds to the excitement of watching the games. I've been a fan of the team for many years, and this was another great year. But, as I believe Coach Rose said after the game, his teams are now judged against past success and that means a national championship. His teams are so fun to watch and they win and win and win. I live in Philly and my other teams never win. But I am like 'lionsfan'; I invest a lot and I hate to have a season end like last night.  That will hurt for a while.  So many errors, yet a win was still within our grasp.  Now...off to see my sports therapist!! Onward

I believe Clare Powers is graduating.  I don't believe Putnicki will be on the team next season (I think she only played in three sets this year).  I don't think there's any special story here, but I doubt we'll learn any specifics until next year.  Patience.

If you have access to the WatchESPN app, it's on there.

I would like to join in the laudatory comments made by others. I enjoyed following the team this year, more than in other years. My enjoyment was substantially enhanced by the posters on this site, who uniformly increased my understanding, patiently answered my questions, and tolerated my ill informed musings.

While I am sorry we did not win, I found last night's match to be gripping, the efforts displayed by both teams highly impressive, and underline Mr. Sunderland's repeated comments regarding the high quality displayed. I for one attribute the errors by both teams to the their opponents' abilities, including service errors. I also found moments through out the match where each individual who saw the court displayed superior skills. Given the relative equivalence of the athletes and coaching, consistent success by either team was simply not possible.

I also wish (again echoing observations by others) to express my appreciation for the Seniors who have continuously made me proud to be an alum. I expect two or three of the graduates will have opportunities to play professionally, and perhaps even try for spots on the National Team.

As for next year, the team will (I hope!) be led by an experienced setter, two liberos, and one middle blocker. Throw in Nia Reed, and whatever contributions we get from the incoming freshmen, and I am certain PSU will again field a team which will do us proud.

We'll have pin hitters next year, but the question is whether they can serve, receive, pass, play backcourt.  A lot of hitters can hit well, but it's the other skills that make them all-conference and AA.

As for Michaela, it is my impression from reading her social media that she is homesick and prefers Colorado to Central PA. I can't say I blame her. I moved from Colorado Springs to attend grad school at Penn State many years ago. It is an adjustment.