So an unseated Michigan team just defeated # 2 Stanford. Our team really needs to focus and not take this team lightly. Especially since Michigan is on roll.
In his post-game remarks, Coach Elliott reminded me of something I knew but forgot. Earlier this year, the Longhorns played in the KFC Yum center where the Final Four is going to be. How smart, to have planned that out like that.
I watched that Michigan/Stanford match. Other than the first game, Michigan was in control. They didn't look as tall as Texas but have various players that can make that kill. Should be a very good match between two very confident teams.
I have not seen Michigan play but looking at their schedule and who they have played, they look like a team that was under rated. They look like they got better and better as the season has progressed and are jelling now. I gleam that off of their schedule and results for the season, have not seen them play. Penn State is just a pain in the ***, we all know what they can do.... Anything about Oregon?
Apparently coming alive and making a run in the tourney is something of a trend for Michigan. According to a volleytalk post they have twice made the round of 16 and once the round of eight, despite conference finishes ranging from T-fourth to eighth and having at least eight conference losses in those years. The Big 10 is brutal in volleyball.This year was their third time beating Stanford in the tournament, the previous two times being at Stanford. It also sounds like they spent the first part of the season looking for the right lineup. The current lineup is definitely working well for them. More on their uptrend:The Link They played their first two rounds of this tournament at the Yum! center (site of the finals), including a win over host Louisville.
Oregon is very good. Their head coach built their program from a doormat into a national power. He has turned around every program he has coached, one of them at two different times in his career. Three of those turnarounds were at Division II schools, three at Division I programs; the first turnaround culminated in a National Championship. Mick Haley wanted him to be his top assistant during his stint coaching USA Volleyball. More info:The Link Unfortunately this turnaround artist is best known in Austin as the coach who turned Longhorn volleyball around in the wrong direction. In his four year tenure Texas finished 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 7th (in that order) in the Big 12. He got the boot after Texas failed to make the NCAA tournament for the second time in history (the other time being the tourney's first year, 1981, when only 20 teams were invited...and Texas was busy winning the AIAW championship). Oregon is the team that ended Penn State's 94 match home winning streak in 2011. Before this season, though the Ducks had a reputation for coming up short in the tournament; they were ranked #7 / seeded #11 in 2008 when they were upset by Iowa State in the Round of 16 here in Austin. Last year as the #13 seed they were upset in the opening round by Colorado State. They seem to have overcome those issues now, however. One of Oregon's stars, senior All American Alaina Bergsma is also the reigning Miss Oregon:The Link
Looks like there is some tough competition in the Final Four this year, it is going to be three good matches!! LET"S GO HORNS!!!!!
The match is even now. We need to come back strong and play like we did in game one even though Michigan played better. Our problem basically is in game 2 we didn't get enough points on the serve even though we had opportunities that we missed. We mustn't do that in Game 3. If we do it is bye bye NC again. Come on Ladies! Fight and Win!
Here we go again in Game 3 not getting enough points on the serve. We are just behind 15 to 13 with Michigan serving. Come on Ladies! Let's side it out and get a run on points with the serve! Let's not fall short again this year.
Michigan 19 UT 17 we need to side it out and get points on the serve. Come on Ladies! You got to want it more. Fight!
Looking bad in Game 3. We have had great teams and have one now but I am wondering if we just don't that something it takes to win it all.
We can't say Michigan sneaked up on us like they like to say because any team that gets to the Final 4 is good and you have to be ready to play your best.
Michigan took game 3 and leads 2-1. We played well the last few serves but were just in too deep a hole. We can take them if we play like we did then but it is bad we are behind. Are we capable of advancing? Yes Will we advance? It is up to the Ladies now. Come on Horns! Play you best and fight and win!
Well, I'm really not liking how resiliant Michigan is compared to our morale. These Longhorns do not look like they are having fun.
Texas, FIGHT! Tied up 2-2. That change in the rotation was STELLAR! Coach of the year! Let's win this!
Now we are playing like we ought to be playing. We win Game 4 easily. Now it is up to the fight one. If we play like we did in this game we can do it. But the Ladies got to want it. Michigan will most likely play tough so we must be at our best and not play like Games 2 and 3. Come on Horns. You can do it. Fight and Win!
Nice little 3 point run here, 4 points to national championship but will have to fight for every one!
