Post by nyline on Oct 2, 2015 7:39:28 GMT -5
All 20 B1G matches count the same in the standings, but tonight’s match between #4-ranked Nebraska (11-1) and #1-ranked Penn State (13-0) is noteworthy for several reasons. It will be the 25th meeting in this storied rivalry — this will be the 10th time they meet with one team ranked #1. And it arguably is the biggest challenge of the season so far for both teams.
The Huskers are a very, very good team, led on the front row by 6-3 Jr. RS Kadie Rolfzen (who was named last week’s B1G Co-Defensive Player of the Week, after averaging 3.14 digs and 1.57 blocks/set in wins at Creighton and at Iowa State – where she chipped in 17 digs for good measure), 6-3 Jr. MB Amber Rolfzen (who in the Huskers’ match against Iowa on Saturday, had a team-high 11 kills — a .556 hitting % — and added 6 blocks), 6-3 Sr. MB Cecilia Hall, 6-3 Fr. OH Mikaela Foecke (who earned her second-straight B1G Co-Freshman of the Week award last week, after averaging 3.7 kills/set with a .375 hitting %) and 5-11 RS So. Setter Kelly Hunter.
The backrow is once again anchored by 5-6 Jr. libero Justine Wong-Orantes (Is this really only her third year? It seems she been digging balls against Penn State for at least five.)
It’s impressive, but Club Coach, in yesterday’s Q&A, gave the edge to Penn State:
We’ll see. Come to Rec Hall for a great atmosphere and a great match. It's also on BTN
The Huskers are a very, very good team, led on the front row by 6-3 Jr. RS Kadie Rolfzen (who was named last week’s B1G Co-Defensive Player of the Week, after averaging 3.14 digs and 1.57 blocks/set in wins at Creighton and at Iowa State – where she chipped in 17 digs for good measure), 6-3 Jr. MB Amber Rolfzen (who in the Huskers’ match against Iowa on Saturday, had a team-high 11 kills — a .556 hitting % — and added 6 blocks), 6-3 Sr. MB Cecilia Hall, 6-3 Fr. OH Mikaela Foecke (who earned her second-straight B1G Co-Freshman of the Week award last week, after averaging 3.7 kills/set with a .375 hitting %) and 5-11 RS So. Setter Kelly Hunter.
The backrow is once again anchored by 5-6 Jr. libero Justine Wong-Orantes (Is this really only her third year? It seems she been digging balls against Penn State for at least five.)
It’s impressive, but Club Coach, in yesterday’s Q&A, gave the edge to Penn State:
I think the differences are the following: Foecke is a freshman, and all of Penn State’s “big four” are seasoned veterans, even though two are only sophomores. The other big difference is two of Nebraska’s big guns — Kadie and Amber Rolfzen — are playing totally new positions. Amber will be playing her 13th game as a middle and Kadie her 5th or 6th as a right side player. I think the Nittany Lions are probably more settled and comfortable in their positions, which is an advantage. Although I believe the match-ups between the athletes are pretty even, Penn State’s big four are at an advantage given their familiarity with their roles.
I think PSU will win. One, because I believe they have better and proven talent; second, they are at home; third, because even though Nebraska has more returning players, several are still adjusting to new roles. And lastly PSU has responded incredibly well after matches that were below their compete level standard. This rivalry has a little edge to it, not in the sense of bad blood, but more mutual respect. PSU wins in four tough games.
I think PSU will win. One, because I believe they have better and proven talent; second, they are at home; third, because even though Nebraska has more returning players, several are still adjusting to new roles. And lastly PSU has responded incredibly well after matches that were below their compete level standard. This rivalry has a little edge to it, not in the sense of bad blood, but more mutual respect. PSU wins in four tough games.
We’ll see. Come to Rec Hall for a great atmosphere and a great match. It's also on BTN
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