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Post by charger on Sept 10, 2007 19:58:42 GMT -5
How tall is this girl? She looks really short to be and OH. She must have some ups. I too was surprised to see Tara start the other night but something needed to give as Schwartz just wasn't getting the job done. It almost looked as if she was always in the wrong place at the wrong time and it was interfering with the girls around her.
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Post by lely on Sept 10, 2007 20:09:28 GMT -5
I agree! She was in the wrong place a lot and I think it really got to the other girls. It seemed that she didn't have any court sense about where the other players were and when they could get the ball. Was Dani B better because of being a setter and knowing where the others were?
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Post by huskerfan on Sept 10, 2007 20:41:11 GMT -5
Which player is being asked about - Tara or Kayla? As I understand it, Tara can jump amazingly well. Tara did seem out of place at times (and not as relaxed as the rest), but she hadn't trained in the position here. Just like as a freshman Larson used to bump into Jen Saleamua (sp?) and had to learn where she fit in, Tara has the same challenge. I think she did just fine for her first match. She made some great plays, and her passing will no doubt improve as she calms down. We need to keep in mind that every returning player was a starter in some capacity, and they seem to understand how each other play very well, so all of the freshman will undoubtably look awkward occasionally. Give them time.
Huskertoo - thanks for the response. Even as just a fanatical fan, I was disappointed that Kayla didn't get the start. She looked extremely athletic warming up each game. The one time I saw her go in (other than the AVCA showcase serve), she didn't look confident directing the defense. However, I wouldn't expect her too just yet. I think she needs to be put in a few more times, perhaps for an entire game (if not match) to allow her to settle in and get over the freshman nerves. And yes, she is absolutely entitled to be disappointed. To her credit, I thought she did everything expected of her throughout the match (except maybe smile and yell occasionally) - high fives, hands up in the huddle, etc. I hope she starts to get playing time very soon, especially since she can't redshirt now.
My opinion is that they desperately need to develop Tara as an OH this year and Kayla as a libero. Otherwise, next year will be an even bigger challenge. As much as I like Schwarz, I'm just not sure she's athletic enough to make as many big plays. I have a hard-time seeing her survive as the starting libero for the next two years. I sure hope she keeps getting time as DS at least, though. I think she's a great asset to the team. I could even see her as a captain next year, even if she isn't the starting libero.
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Post by lely on Sept 10, 2007 20:55:12 GMT -5
I was referring to Rachel Schwartz as being in the wrong place too much. She seemed a detriment to the team at times. I really like Rachel and would love to see her improve. I think she played agressive and went after every ball she could, but at times in front of other players in the back row. She also bumped into others and looked out of place.
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Post by clivehusker on Sept 10, 2007 21:11:50 GMT -5
Last match I thought they were talking about keeping the possibility of redshirting one of the freshman, but I'm not sure which one it was.
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Post by huskerfan on Sept 10, 2007 21:25:15 GMT -5
As I understand it, Jordan W. is going to redshirt. At least, that's what the articles in the press say. They also haven't played Brooke Delano, the 4th middle blocker. I haven't read anything about them planning to redshirt her. However, with Gates as a (usually) reliable backup to Stalls and Cooper, it seems that they could save her year of eligibility. Anyone know more?
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Post by OverAndUnder on Sept 10, 2007 22:33:42 GMT -5
I think this is an important match for Texas. I know they have thoughts of being a contender, and must have some doubts after PSU. I see talk of improved chemistry, and ball control, by some TX fans. How much if any does that have to do with Horns being in a 5-1 with Moriarity? I heard they have Faucette and Hooker playing all the way around, how does that help ball control? I was one of the people who wanted to see Engle get some setting responsibilities, but after the first two weekends, I think it's the wrong thing to do this year if they want to make a serious title run. Faucette is a great attacker but is still not up to consistent passing at the NCAA level. She's erasable if you serve her repeatedly. As for Hooker, as weird as it may sound she seems a better passer than defender in the video I've seen. Jerritt played her all the way around against their weak opponents on their home court. I think it's unlikely he'll leave her in to pass against Larson and Pavan in Lincoln. Which is a shame, because her back row attack has great potential. She leaps and attacks like a men's player, landing fully at the net, but hasn't yet learned to aim her shots. You can't hit a BR attack with straight-down power and expect it to clear the net or a well-formed triple block, which the Huskers have in spades. Nebraska's #1 focus has nearly always been serve-block. If Engle isn't back to full power, they don't have a well-developed back row to run out of system. I think Texas will be able to side out with some blocks and power attacks on a 1:3 ratio, but Husker serves will keep them out of rhythm most of the night. With Acevedo passing I would say Texas wins in 5. ;D
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Post by volley3826 on Sept 12, 2007 9:37:39 GMT -5
Let me tell you I have known Kayla since she was like 8. I've watched her grow into the fine young athlete she is today. I coached her 2 years ago. The lack of smiling you see is exactly what John Tawa says, she is soaking it all in. Many times in high school fans and opponents would say she never looks like she has any fun. Kayla is a focussed and she is constantly learning about ways to improve. To her winning is fun- she set for us and let me tell you I saw her get more excited from delivering a great set to someone who got the kill over her getting the kill.
I've only gotten to see one match this year so far o TV and I am amazed she is not in myself. From experience, she is not a practice person as much as a game person. She constantly amazes me and what she can do.
2 years ago at regionals she could not make the 1st day and the team was out of sorts so to speak she can in the second day- her court appearance calmed the team down and we had a remarkable road to winning. This point is she is a team leader a quiet one but a team leader and I personally can not wait to see her in that libero jersey!
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