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Post by tillie on Aug 27, 2018 8:07:11 GMT -5
It is valuable input to watch the defense early and note how they react to what the offensive players are doing and where they are posting themselves.
Defenses observe carefully who is going where and what the options are.
That is the challenging decision making that defenses must learn to quickly( instantly!) resolve what can be happening and what is likely to happen requiring fast click evaluations and then moving to defend.
Dom who was with the team a few years ago had a talent for being where the action went in such real time as to be able to defend. Russ has been quoted saying that her contributions deserved more recognition for her impact on the winnings.
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Post by cross5 on Aug 27, 2018 10:43:39 GMT -5
It is valuable input to watch the defense early and note how they react to what the offensive players are doing and where they are posting themselves. Defenses observe carefully who is going where and what the options are. That is the challenging decision making that defenses must learn to quickly( instantly!) resolve what can be happening and what is likely to happen requiring fast click evaluations and then moving to defend. Dom who was with the team a few years ago had a talent for being where the action went in such real time as to be able to defend. Russ has been quoted saying that her contributions deserved more recognition for her impact on the winnings. Dom's strength was never in her range. It was in her ability to not be caught out of position and be still at the point of contact. Then again PSU was a superior serving and blocking team when she played and had teams out of system alot. |
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Post by elliotberton on Aug 27, 2018 15:20:41 GMT -5
What a great write up. The quotes were much more revealing and candid than we sometimes get. For example, I would not have thought about how "quiet" the Freshman are/were. Maybe that is why I could hear Kendall calling out swing targets so clearly? |
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Post by elliotberton on Aug 27, 2018 15:59:35 GMT -5
I had so much fun this weekend. The crowds were good, the band played really well given how little practice time they had, and I got to sit with really cool people (especially Friday). During the Navy match I sat near Tori Gorrell's dad. After her third ace of the weekend (who knew?) I turned and asked "So you guys have been working on the serve all Summer?" He said (with amusement), "Oh yeah, all Summer."
My expectations for the first three matches were met or exceeded. The Freshmen were athletic as advertised, and I felt that the team improved as a group over the three matches. Bryanna is so calm (though I wonder what kind of gum she prefers), and as everyone else has sagely noted, Taylor Leath looks to be a tremendous addition. I felt good about Nia Reed. She looked strong, confident and hit many hard balls. Bryanna seems to know where Nia likes to be set, especially on the left side.
I was pretty impressed that Bryanna set Jonni Parker at right back (3 times). I don't recall seeing back row attacks from that position except by men's teams. While none of the right back attacks resulted in kills, I felt that the sets indicated confidence in her new hitter.
Those cautioning against over exuberance are well heeded. As Coach said, this initial group of opponents was selected for a reason. The ladies got their feet wet. The adversity experienced in the Navy match was helpful. There is much to be improved, and we shall see what kind of progress the team can make as the players find their roles and work together as a unit.
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Post by traveler on Aug 27, 2018 16:33:37 GMT -5
Elliot: any observations about Phlegley from the warmups?
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Post by Millennium on Aug 27, 2018 18:07:55 GMT -5
I had so much fun this weekend. The crowds were good, the band played really well given how little practice time they had, and I got to sit with really cool people (especially Friday). During the Navy match I sat near Tori Gorrell's dad. After her third ace of the weekend (who knew?) I turned and asked "So you guys have been working on the serve all Summer?" He said (with amusement), "Oh yeah, all Summer." My expectations for the first three matches were met or exceeded. The Freshmen were athletic as advertised, and I felt that the team improved as a group over the three matches. Bryanna is so calm (though I wonder what kind of gum she prefers), and as everyone else has sagely noted, Taylor Leath looks to be a tremendous addition. I felt good about Nia Reed. She looked strong, confident and hit many hard balls. Bryanna seems to know where Nia likes to be set, especially on the left side. I was pretty impressed that Bryanna set Jonni Parker at right back (3 times). I don't recall seeing back row attacks from that position except by men's teams. While none of the right back attacks resulted in kills, I felt that the sets indicated confidence in her new hitter. Those cautioning against over exuberance are well heeded. As Coach said, this initial group of opponents was selected for a reason. The ladies got their feet wet. The adversity experienced in the Navy match was helpful. There is much to be improved, and we shall see what kind of progress the team can make as the players find their roles and work together as a unit.
Thanks for providing "on-site" observations and experiences. Love it! Keep 'em coming!
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Post by elliotberton on Aug 27, 2018 18:56:08 GMT -5
Elliot: any observations about Phlegley from the warmups? To my untutored eyes, she moved smoothly and easily. I also did not think she was 6'4" but I wear progressives, so ... I was a little surprised that she did not get in at all. |
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Post by elliotberton on Aug 27, 2018 19:03:15 GMT -5
I had so much fun this weekend. The crowds were good, the band played really well given how little practice time they had, and I got to sit with really cool people (especially Friday). During the Navy match I sat near Tori Gorrell's dad. After her third ace of the weekend (who knew?) I turned and asked "So you guys have been working on the serve all Summer?" He said (with amusement), "Oh yeah, all Summer." My expectations for the first three matches were met or exceeded. The Freshmen were athletic as advertised, and I felt that the team improved as a group over the three matches. Bryanna is so calm (though I wonder what kind of gum she prefers), and as everyone else has sagely noted, Taylor Leath looks to be a tremendous addition. I felt good about Nia Reed. She looked strong, confident and hit many hard balls. Bryanna seems to know where Nia likes to be set, especially on the left side. I was pretty impressed that Bryanna set Jonni Parker at right back (3 times). I don't recall seeing back row attacks from that position except by men's teams. While none of the right back attacks resulted in kills, I felt that the sets indicated confidence in her new hitter. Those cautioning against over exuberance are well heeded. As Coach said, this initial group of opponents was selected for a reason. The ladies got their feet wet. The adversity experienced in the Navy match was helpful. There is much to be improved, and we shall see what kind of progress the team can make as the players find their roles and work together as a unit.
Thanks for providing "on-site" observations and experiences. Love it! Keep 'em coming!
I regret to inform those who hope for further on site observations that my schedule and the distance from State College generally prevents attendance. I was chided for this by one of my very good friends at Friday's match. However, my clients need me (or at least that is what I tell them). But never fear. We can safely rely on the much better informed (and more immediate) reports from Nyline. |
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Post by bob2061 on Aug 28, 2018 16:55:30 GMT -5
Elliot: any observations about Phlegley from the warmups? To my untutored eyes, she moved smoothly and easily. I also did not think she was 6'4" but I wear progressives, so ... I was a little surprised that she did not get in at all. I expect Phegley to be red shirted. We only need 3 MB to play our best VB. Next year she will be needed. |
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Post by elliotberton on Aug 29, 2018 12:34:40 GMT -5
To my untutored eyes, she moved smoothly and easily. I also did not think she was 6'4" but I wear progressives, so ... I was a little surprised that she did not get in at all. I expect Phegley to be red shirted. We only need 3 MB to play our best VB. Next year she will be needed. I made a similar guess. However, it is still too early to know who will play which roles, and hence whether Amanda will be held in reserve. It does look like we have at least 3 ladies who have the ability to play MB, all of whom will have eligibility next year. So maybe someone will end up playing more at RS? |
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Post by lionsfan on Aug 29, 2018 12:37:57 GMT -5
I'd be surprised if she isn't utilized at some point this season. Given how young this team is, I don't think we'll have the redshirt luxury this year.
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Post by elliotberton on Sept 3, 2018 9:46:16 GMT -5
I expect Phegley to be red shirted. We only need 3 MB to play our best VB. Next year she will be needed. I made a similar guess. However, it is still too early to know who will play which roles, and hence whether Amanda will be held in reserve. It does look like we have at least 3 ladies who have the ability to play MB, all of whom will have eligibility next year. So maybe someone will end up playing more at RS? So it seems like my guess was wrong. Great to see Amanda get in and on the stat sheet. I would hate to scout this team. Personally, I have no idea where the players will line up or hit from. |
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Post by traveler on Sept 5, 2018 10:44:30 GMT -5
If I understand the new RS rules, she can play in 4 matches and still get RS. But in her short time in, she did well. Russ has a dilemma.
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Post by jojonito on Sept 5, 2018 13:46:26 GMT -5
I think in his quotes on Tuesday, Russ said that he had thought about red shirting her but that she was instant offense and so needed to find her some time to play.
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