Stanford vs. Pacific

[SakiBomb25]

I caught parts of the spring match, but not all of it. Barboza was not present for the first game or two, came and warmed up, and entered by the start of the third game I believe. Perhaps she had a class? Anyway, when Barboza wasn't there, the line-up seemed to be Fisher and Waller on the outside, Akinradewo on the right side, Joanna Evans at setter, Fishburn at libero, and Girard and Okogbaa in the middle. That was the initial line-up, I believe. Kehoe would come in for Fisher sometimes in the back.

It was nice to see Fisher finally play after being on the sidelines for two years. She's a smart hitter who just needs experience, imho. I didn't pay too much attention to her play in the back row. She'll have a tough time trying to break into the line-up with Barboza and Klineman, but she'll definitely add great depth.

Waller was great on the left and the right. She's confident and her striking ability continues to grow. I think she'll solidify her position at opposite, with a capable Cassidy Lichtman backing her up. Waller hit hard, hit slides, and just did it all. I expect great things from her and she'll just be another potent weapon for Stanford this fall, to go with Barboza, Klineman, and Akinradewo.

I am glad that Okogbaa is playing in the middle because that is the one spot we are lacking in depth, imho. She's very athletic and uses her athleticism to close the block. She jumps high and it's a matter of timing in terms of getting her blocking down. Now her offense is a different story. Her armswing is still a bit funky - not as quick as others. However, if she can just block, that's all we need her to do in the future, with Klineman and Barboza, etc... in the fray.

Outlook: I'm excited for the season. And one quick thing - for all those who say that Klineman needs to prove herself at the collegiate level, she was the top point scorer at the 2005 Junior World Championships. I think that speaks volumes about her talent and experience and how it will translate to the college level.

[IdahoBoy]

So.... was Pacific there?

[OverAndUnder]

My thoughts exactly.

[SakiBomb25]

Pacific was there, but I was really just concentrating on the Stanford side. Plus I did not have a roster for them. Sorry.

[redincolorado]

Thanks for the first hand report. With who Stanford has returning along w/the addition on Klineman, and the way the the NCAA's are set up this season, If I had a vote, Stanford would occupy my top slot. Richards's court savy and senior leadership and ability to put the team on her back will the one void to be filled. Waller will be interesting to watch. If she builds off her outstanding performance in last years final-----look out. She had "attitude" in that match and flashed harbingers of things to come. Was she pulling full rotations or front row only? Was Kehoe sitting to start getting another setter ready? any back row attacks from Akinradewo and Waller?

[jgrout]

idahoboy said:

So.... was Pacific there?

More in games one and two before Superwoman... er, Barboza... put on her uniform for games three and four (there was some suspension of the rules... both coaches made some "funky" substitutions to move players around and four games were played, all won by Stanford).

The most notable Pacific players were #11 (Meagan MimMack) and #10 (Masha Vaysburg). Utah transfer Shannon Krug played too... I believe she wore #5.

[romeo]

Is Kara Uhl playing this spring?

jgrout said:

idahoboy said:

So.... was Pacific there?

More in games one and two before Superwoman... er, Barboza... put on her uniform for games three and four (there was some suspension of the rules... both coaches made some "funky" substitutions to move players around and four games were played, all won by Stanford).

The most notable Pacific players were #11 (Meagan MimMack) and #10 (Masha Vaysburg). Utah transfer Shannon Krug played too... I believe she wore #5.

[SakiBomb25]

Losing a player of Richards' quality hurts, most definitely. I love her as a player and as a competitor, but I think that Kehoe takes over the leadership void, Klineman picks up on the offensive end, and Ailes does the same on the defensive end. It will be interesting to see how Stanford plays early on and see who else emerges outside of the Akinradewo-Barboza-Kehoe trio.

If Gabi Ailes is anything like her sister Tatum, Jessica Fishburn will most likely replacing Erin Waller in the back as a defensive specialist.

[saywho]

Was also at the match and agree and disagree with some of Saki's comments. Kehoe actually started the match setting half of game 1 and then Evans came in. They split the setting duties 50/50 throughout the night. I believe it was to give Joanna some playing time. Whichever wasn't setting would be coming in backrow for Fisher. Things ran much more smoothly with Kehoe setting. Evans doesn't have bad hands, but she consistently set too low, for every position, but mostly for Foluke and Franci on the back slide. I mean, those girls can jump and the ball was barely even above net height, so they tipped more than they should have. Okagbaa....hmm, I dunno. I don't think she'll see much playing time this year. Her timing was off with blocking and hitting. The girl can jump, but she seems to have problems with everything else. On the outside, (before Cynthia arrived) Fisher was a much stronger weapon than Waller. Waller looked weak on the outside. Fisher looked great, particularly in game 1. It makes me sad because it was the first time I had seen her play, and she was really really good. And I highly doubt she will see much playing time behind Barboza and Klineman. Waller did much better when moved to opposite and finally started connecting with the ball. And she looked much more comfortable there. That's her spot ... outside she can't pack the heat. Foluke at opposite ... she didn't get set much but she did great. It was awesome to see two huge girls blocking, her being next to the middles. She also had some fantastic digs and all but one of her sets were great. That girl just amazes me. Last year, I always saw glimpses of her defense on the one rotation she served. But last night she was really able to show she is truly an amazing all around volleyball player. Mmmm, I think thats all I have to say about Stanford. On Pacific, I remember #7 Alexa Anderson as taking the most swings and also being the most successful. She had a powerful arm. That's really all I remember about them.

[redincolorado]

I remember a comment from one of the female announcers about Foluke during last years finals. said she was unusual because she never played any club ball. she was alluding to how much further ahead she'd be (scary thought) if she had. was speculating that by here senior year she could morph into a whole different kind of player.----not her exact words, but the meaning was clear.
Waller was intense in the finals. fire in her eyes, smoke coming out of her ears intense. I look forward to seeing her carry that forward. I just wish waaaaaaaaaay more of the top tier teams and matches were televised.

[Netter]

romeo - My scouts tell me that Kara Uhl has been playing in all matches this spring, but has been cleared to only have court time so far on a limited basis and when she does, it is in the back row. At this scrimmage, I'm sure it was fun for Kara and Cynthia, former Mizuno Club Long Beach teammates and long-time buddies, to see each other, although it sounds like it may have been only for a brief time.

[romeo]

Thanks, Netter. I'm glad to hear she's making a slow but steady comeback. Great kid.

netter said:

romeo - My scouts tell me that Kara Uhl has been playing in all matches this spring, but has been cleared to only have court time so far on a limited basis and when she does, it is in the back row. At this scrimmage, I'm sure it was fun for Kara and Cynthia, former Mizuno Club Long Beach teammates and long-time buddies, to see each other, although it sounds like it may have been only for a brief time.

[Lowball]

I assume Stanford won easily?