a game worthy of the championship game (see last season). Hoping for a different outcome than last year. http://www.texassports.com/news/201...nce-to-12th-straight-ncaa-regional-final.aspx http://www.gostanford.com/news/2017/12/9/womens-volleyball-rematch-is-set.aspx
Horns go down in three sets. They got work to do in the offseason to clean up that service receive problem. Horns end up as one of the top eight teams. Excellent finish but for sure not where they wanted to end up. This will just drive them to get better.
There's only so much you can do against 6'8", 6'6" along with Plumber. And they were always ready for the tipover because they knew we weren't going through the block. Ironically, that's all Stanford had though. I don't think they're top 25 w/o those three. Utah played smart, with great ball placement and exploited our weaknesses but didn't have the athletes. Stanford did the same thing, but matched out athleticism. There's always next year but I think we may take a step back without Cat & Chiaka. There's a big drop off behind them at both positions.
If you watched the pre-match practices last night you would easily see that Chiaka was the most athletic player on both teams. I like Morgan, but she simply can't jump, hit or match the overall athletic ability of Chiaka. There's some things Chiaka can do that no other player in the country can do. In fact, some things you will never see because we don't do a good enough job getting her the ball. Yaazie will just take Ebony's spot, so I see that as being about equal.
According to Jerritt, Brionne Butler (RS Freshman next year) has the potential to be the best middle blocker in TX history. Could be just coach speak but considering we had Chiaka and also potentially the best middle blocker in the world right now, Rachel Adams, if he is even close to right we will be ok at middle. Should also be ok at hitters assuming no one gets hurt or transfers. Shook will be a year better. The problem comes in the backcourt. No McCoy and the two other regulars really struggle. Will need a whole new set of girls back there to compete next year.
I know what Jerritt has said so I watched Brionne a lot in practice the last 2 nights. I hope she proves me wrong, but I don't see the same athleticism or arm that Chiaka has. Although she is 2" taller so that will help. I just hope Sydney is the real deal.
I wonder if Elliot's comments were before he had Butler on the court this year? Top level freshmen just make a spot for themselves as noted by Stanford's freshmen winning the championship last year. I wonder about O'Neal and whether she can make an impact at MB next year. She is only 6'-2" so maybe would move to OH? Anybody seen O'Neal play and offer an opinion on her for next year.