MPSF Tourny

[VILI]

Quarterfinals * April 24
#1 BYU (24-4, 20-2) hosts #8 UC Irvine (14-17, 8-14), 7 p.m. MT
#2 Long Beach State (25-5, 18-4) hosts #7 UC Santa Barbara (14-15, 9-13), 7:30 p.m. PT
#3 UCLA (23-5, 17-5) hosts #6 Hawai'i (17-11, 13-9), 7 p.m. PT
#4 Pepperdine (18-8, 14-8) hosts #5 Cal State Northridge (19-10, 13-9), 7 p.m. PT



Predictions? Thoughts? How does everyone feel about my warriors chances at the pavilion?

[vb]

The choking sound you hear is that of Stanford...

UCI is peaking at the right time....but how about the fold of Stanford? I am amazed that they quit playing and just handed the 8th spot to UCI.

[OC24]

Stanford didn't quit playing, Pacific decided it was time to hand it to them and played out of their minds 2 matches in a row. I was at the game tonight and I swear there were 3 different teams playing. Stanford was the same the whole time, but Pacific games 1&2 and Pacific games 3-5 were totally different teams. They realized that they were a better team and even though Stanford played very well (especially the middles), Pacific couldn't be stopped.

However, looks like UCI won anyway so Stanford couldn't have made the playoffs even if they had won tonight.

[VILI]

I think UH has an outside chance at beating UCLA, but other then that I don't see any upsets along the way. I like #1 BYU vs. #2 LBSU in the MPSF championship. And Both going to the final four.

[Bookumdanoaloha]

I was hoping Hawaii would get a 6th seed and I got it. BYU will make the championship with home court advantage.

Hawaii has shown that they can play/beat any team in the league, but, they proved that they can lose any time. Hawaii matches up well against UCLA, and they are 3-1 at Pauley with Tuyay at setter. Hawaii is a "Big Arena" team meaning they play well in Big Gyms. The key is which team will serve the other off the Court. Hawaii served very well against Pepperdine and last year Hawaii served the Bruins off the court at Pauley. Hawaii must pass or they are done. Just "pop it up guys", Tuyay is quick and daring enough to get to the ball. I like Hawaii's chances in the first round.

If Hawaii makes it to the semi's, they will play Long Beach on a natural court. The two teams split this season. Both teams have talented players, the advantage goes to Long Beach with their Senior Leadership, however, Hawaii has key players who have played well in the playoffs in the past. High altitude will play a major roles for these teams.

If Hawaii beats Long Beach State. They must win the Title to get the automatic. If they lose I think they get the At Large by virtue of a "head to head" play with Long State (2-1), even though Long Beach State has a better overall record. IT NOW IN THE HANDS OF THE SELECTION COMMITTEE.

On my way to the Pepp/Hawaii game I spoke to VBCrusin. He couldn't make the game and has been very busy with tax season and he is moving down to San Clemente. He is well and send his Aloha to all the posters. Bookumdanoaloha

[VBbeast]

I'm going to say BYU will make the final and play UCLA who in a mild upset will take out the beach in 4. It's very tough to beat a team 3 times in the same season.

If UH was hosting an early round I'd give them a shot at the finals. Just seems to me teams that have played up and down a lot have a very hard time coming together when it matters in tournament time. With all the lineup shifts they have gone through I'm not sure if they really know who to look for when they need that critical point. The rally score game is brutally effective at exposing mental weakness.

[VILI]

I think what you said about hawai'i is sad, but true... Playing in the Stan Sheriff center is a tremendous advantage, however playing at Pauly with one shot at UCLA will be tough. Does anyone give Pepp a shot at BYU in the second round should they get by CSN?

I know Rooney has had a roller coaster year, but I think him and winters could play well enough to get atleast a game off BYU

[Rocky]

I think CSUN can beat Pepperdine. They split their matches this year. It will be whatever team makes the fewest unforced errors will win. They are pretty evenly matched. CSUN actually does a better job of distributing the sets. They do not just have one or two "go to " guys. Pepperdine relies heavily on Winters and Rooney. It should be a good match to watch.

I also would not rule out UC Irvine with a potential upset of BYU. It could happen. Did anybody think that USC would have won the first two games against BYU last week? BYU had to come back from two games down to defeat the Trojans. I think Irvine can do it (they are on a three match winning streak).

BYU versus Pepperdine or CSUN - I think both Pepperdine and CSUN could beat BYU. Even at BYU. CSUN has already beaten BYU at BYU this year. It can be done!

If every team in MPSF brings their "A" game to the playoffs we will have some great matches to watch and I would not be surprised to see an upset or two.

[VILI]

good points rocky...I didn't mean to make it seem impossible, merely improbable...

[Rocky]

I know you are not saying it is impossible. I just don't like the idea that everyone is so ready to hand the championship over on a silver platter to BYU or anyone else. IMO we are going to have some great matches in the next week or so. And, I would not be surprised at all if there are some upsets.

This is not to knock any teams outside of MPSF - but take a look at all the match-ups in all the conferences for the first round. I think the best games and the biggest chances for upsets will be in games played in either California or Utah. There are a couple games outside of MPSF that look interesting (IPFW/Lewis for one), but top to bottom the MPSF has the most potential for drama.

Nothing is automatic. Every team better bring their "A" game. Remember, any team can beat any team on any given night (or day).

[vballmom]

I think Hawaii has a great opportunity to make it at least to the semi's.

I think Long Beach would have a harder time against Hawaii than against UCLA. LBSU swept UCLA in 3, both matches, but they went 5 with Hawaii. As everyone has said, it all depends on who shows up.

BYU's gym is a tough one to play in, both because of the noise level and the altitude. We are, of course, assuming that the top two seeds get past their opening round matches this weekend. That may be a mistake. No one had better underestimate anyone else and if they get butterflies in their stomaches (as I am already) then they may not play as well as they normally do.

Here's to some awesome volleyball to come!