chada
Sophomore
Posts: 171
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Post by chada on Sept 12, 2007 22:47:33 GMT -5
I noticed that also, but I think it's because on defense she patrols middle short or left back. It seemed to me that Nebraska did not attack the left side of the Texas court very often. Their shots went after Moriarty on the right or went deep to the libero/DS zone. Which makes sense when you think about how most of their kill poinst are: Larson down the line. Houghtelling tooling sideways or hitting fingertips to send it out. Pavan swinging hard crosscourt from back right. The only Husker who consistently works the opponent's left line is Stalls on the slide. I'm inclined to believe this was part of Cook's gameplan. Being reasonably certain that Engle would be out makes Texas very vulnerable on the right both in terms of blocking and in terms of defense. I'd bet a few dollars that if a healthy Engle had suddenly subbed into Game 2, Cook would have adjusted his hitters to take the hard angle more often, not to mention the transition blocking schemes having to respect her BR attack. Thank you for your analysis. Coming into the game, I was worried about Faucette and Hooker hitting away from the outside. When I recall the teams that gave Cook coached Huskers problems in the past it was teams with exceptional outside hitters... Tom, Nnamani 2001... Willoughby 2003... etc. The next couple years will be very interesting in this match up as Hooker and Faucette continue to get better under Elliot's coaching. This year, Nebraska looks to be running on all cylinders offensively... to the point where I think we are going to see the best defensive team - blocking, digging, serving... from Nebraska as they continue to fine tune that aspect. They are very close, we just need to get the libero situation figured out.... I think Schwartz will do a good job from here on out. Just hope that the Big 12 will be strong enough to challenge them to make more plays in transition. *dang it, I messed up the quotes... sorry*
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Post by gobigred on Sept 12, 2007 22:56:25 GMT -5
*dang it, I messed up the quotes... sorry*[/quote]
Don't worry, it happens.
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Post by OverAndUnder on Sept 12, 2007 23:03:49 GMT -5
No big deal, but if you want to fix it, modify your post to include a closing bracket "]" after the quoted post's ID number 1189653885.
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Post by FreeBall on Sept 12, 2007 23:04:33 GMT -5
My thoughts on some of the Texas players after being at tonight's match:
Faucette: Very impressive attacking the ball. However, I thought she was much less impressive in the other aspects of the game. I look for her to improve her overall play as the season and her career progress.
Paolini: Unbelievable improvement in the past year. While her hitting % was not great, I thought she had a solid night.
Magee: It looks like she has not totally recovered from her major knee injury. That's a shame as she is unlikely to ever return to the level of play that she had two years ago.
Doris: She was pretty much invisible during the match. Two kills on only seven attempts and I honestly don't remember either one of them. I expected more from such a highly ranked recruit.
The Texas MB's had a combined total of five kills on 18 attacks. What was the reason for this general lack of a middle attack? Did it relate to things Nebraska was doing, or is that normal for Texas this season?
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Post by holidayhusker on Sept 12, 2007 23:09:33 GMT -5
I am surprised at the margin the Huskers took these games. Larson and Houghtelling's worst game of the year. Our Middles were stellar. Terrible serving % by both teams. Holloway is not the purest of setters but she finds a way to make a difference in every game. Faucette was fantastic against a huge block. Cooks attempt to slow down Faucette was sharp with Licht coming in and Griffin setting . The effectiveness however was marginal. Texas won't win in Austin either unless their defense improves immensely. Interesting game.
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Post by FreeBall on Sept 12, 2007 23:12:06 GMT -5
I have a couple more questions for Texas fans or anyone else who might know.
Assuming Engle was healthy and they played a 5-1 system, what spot would she fill in the lineup? I'm guessing that she would play RS, opposite the setter in the rotation. If so, does Paolini play MB and which one (Doris or Magee) moves out of the lineup?
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Post by TexasVB on Sept 12, 2007 23:44:22 GMT -5
Given the circumstances, I thought Texas played ok...not their best, not their worst. Anytime you play Nebraska (at home or away) you have to bring your A-game. Tonight, we didn't.
I think that Pavan and Holloway were both brilliant but a few of their attacks were very diggable balls. Texas needs to hit the floor a little more often. Stalls was a beast, I love her approach to the game. IMO Larson was average offensively but her passing held up and she was able to bring her % up as the match wore on. Houghtelling did not look like the 2005 POY but like Larson, still received well. Schwartz passed well for the most part. I don't remember any shanks or anything less than a 2 which is more than enough for the Huskers when they are on offensively. Cooper has really come along and is looking like an AA but I'm doubtful she will achieve that status this year as the Huskers are loaded.
I think Texas had about 1 or 2 bright spots and #1 definitely goes to Faucette. She was fearless on the court hitting against one of the best blocks in the nation. Even though she did not pass well at times, I am glad Elliot left her in to get that experience...it will pay off. The other OH is where Texas really struggled. Christian has a lot of mechanical issues with her approach and swing. When she is on, she can look like an AA but consistency has always been the problem IMO. The talent is there both on offense and defense but she has yet to reach her potential. Kudos to 5'8 Kiley Hall for coming in and taking swings as if there was no block in front of her in game 3.
I think Kisner plays her best defense in left or middle back, right back does not look as natural for her. Defense was good but not great. I think at this point, Texas has about 2 or 3 players right now who are playing good in the back court but no one that would standout or be considered great. Jennings passed well but as I have said before, does not appear to dig balls well that are hit away from her. I would like to see her sacrifice her body more, especially on tips/rollshots. Moriarty did her job as a setter, but was not the spark and leader her team needed from her. Almost every ball was hittable and allowed the offense to get a good swing, but I think a few of the sets could have been tighter. We also need a little more deception in the offense even though we have hitters capable of hitting over and around blocks. Magee and Doris both need to be involved more for us to be successful at the next level. Speaking of Magee, right now it's looking like she does not get up like she used to. I think part of her struggles (besides coming back from injury) was the fact that her bread and butter shot across her body to right back, was shut down by Neb. at the very beginning. I expected us to run more slides and back 1's with her but it never happened. I think if she gets comfortable hitting to left back (like OandU was saying about Stalls), then she is very dangerous despite her struggles tonight. I know she is capable of doing it, but tends to stick with right back too often. I agree with most Texas fans in that Paolini has improved. However I think she is still making too many errors. She is swinging most of the time sideways just above the level of her head instead of her highest point of contact. When Engle returns, Pao definitely needs to be on the court in the middle until/unless Doris catches up with her offensively or is able to alter opponent shots with her blocking more often. I don't think Pao should be passing and playing defense unless someone is injured.
Game 1 could have gone down to the wire if we had not missed so many serves. Game 2 was a disaster after about the first 1/3. Nothing was going right. Game 3 was a decent showing. While one might not have doubted the outcome, Texas was clawing their way back and making it respectable. My biased opinion? We need to want to win instead of make it close or respectable and I didn't see that on the court tonight except for in 2 players, maybe 3. If Texas can cut down (hopefully eliminate) the mental/unforced errors, then with Engle and Hooker this is a close 4 game match or 5 gamer. I am looking forward to seeing Neb. come to Austin.
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xyz
High School
Posts: 14
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Post by xyz on Sept 13, 2007 6:42:51 GMT -5
Two well know and respected posters made comments that I do not understand. (R)uffda stated that many of Rachel Holloway's dumps are illegal. Are they and why? Elliott not only did not complain, but said on the Texas web site that Holloway was underrated and made the most difference for the Huskers in the match. Why is dumping with two hands illegal and why has she never been called on it?
Secondly, someone posted that Holloway is not the purist of setters. What does a pure setter look like? Are there any current examples of pure setters currently playing? What do they do that makes them pure setters? Would Nebraska do better with a pure setter running the team?
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ohcanada
Sophomore
Just taking care of our own!!!
Posts: 149
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Post by ohcanada on Sept 13, 2007 7:22:52 GMT -5
If Holloway had decided to set her more Pavan could have had 30 kills. Once she got rolling she toyed with the Texas block. All 3 errors came early in game 1 and from there on in she made it look easy. Pavan showed again that when she is faced with a challenge or a big game, she will raise the level of her game. The Nebraska L1 and L2 had very averge nights and the Huskers still made it look easy.
For their size, Texas is a very poor blocking team. They might also be the worst defensive team in the Top 20. Hooker and Engle might help offensively, but someone has to play defense and control the ball.
Nebraska is just better than they are.
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Post by holidayhusker on Sept 13, 2007 7:38:25 GMT -5
Two well know and respected posters made comments that I do not understand. (R)uffda stated that many of Rachel Holloway's dumps are illegal. Are they and why? Elliott not only did not complain, but said on the Texas web site that Holloway was underrated and made the most difference for the Huskers in the match. Why is dumping with two hands illegal and why has she never been called on it? Secondly, someone posted that Holloway is not the purist of setters. What does a pure setter look like? Are there any current examples of pure setters currently playing? What do they do that makes them pure setters? Would Nebraska do better with a pure setter running the team? I will let Ruffda address the " Illegal dump, " issue. Who knows what he is talking about. LOL A pure setter would be Holloways counterpart Maggie Griffin who has perfect hands and form. Holloway is somewhat unorthodox at times but is a fierce competitor and is a huge reason for the Huskers success. I like her attack mentatlity and is as effective as Cepero with her dumps and corner shots. She seems to have a sixth sense of when to execute. It keeps the defenses very honest and off-balanced. Right now I think Holloway is the best setter in the nation.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Sept 13, 2007 9:10:07 GMT -5
You want to know what's wrong with Texas, it's right there in the stats: 3 blocks and 32 digs. You have to play defense to win it all and the Longhorns still don't.
As for Holloway, I HATE that two handed dump. Not just by her, by almost anyone. It _can_ be legal, but most often the setter doubles or carries the ball. It is VERY difficult to be facing the outside hitter and then dump cleanly with both hands into the center of the opponent's court. I don't think Holloway does it cleanly, that's all.
Her dumps to the corner are great shots. But those need to be called tighter, too. Not just on Holloway, mind you. My biggest gripe is that setters are allowed to do things that no other player would be allowed to do. And these are OFFENSIVE plays (no pun intended), meaning they often score points. Meanwhile, the borderline mangle by the random middle blocker receives the quick whistle.
But it's not a big deal. I'm not accusing RH of cheating or anything.
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Post by VolleyTX on Sept 13, 2007 9:21:02 GMT -5
I agree with you. She looks like a different person. I think she needs to be hitting from the outside... but not those low quick sets. She is SURPRISINGLY fast for her size. They need to be setting her higher. What is the use of having a 6'5" player who hits the same speed and height of set as everyone else? I just don't get why these coaches don't make an adjustment for their taller players. Usually the only time Pavan gets in trouble is when the set is too low. I was also surprised to see Paolini in some of the serve reception paterns.... she did fairly well.
To the match.... this could have been a much closer match if Texas had some effective middles. The other big difference was serving. Faucette is the only one with a potentially dangerous serve. The other Texans serve lollipops.
The biggest surprise to me was how well Faucette sees the block! (I'm assuming this is the case.... either that or it was just dumb luck) I also like her quick arm swing. She also has a sparkplug personality.... which Texas defintely needs.
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Post by ersatzhusker on Sept 13, 2007 10:36:20 GMT -5
(snip) I think Schwartz played better at libero than I've seen in awhile... she seemed in better position set up in the power alley. she picked up a few good digs, granted they didn't shank off the block. Also ran out to try and get a few shanked passes off the court, showed great hustle. I think the worries about her is that she doesn't react off the block touch as well as Cook would like... a lot of that position is not just knowing on paper where to be, but reading the play on the other side... the position of the hitter, the type of set... where the block is setting up, etc... (snip) And it also helps when you've got Jordan Larson swooping in to help you out, to wit:
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Post by ersatzhusker on Sept 13, 2007 10:42:45 GMT -5
(snip) Usually the only time Pavan gets in trouble is when the set is too low. (snip) Is this high enough?
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Post by Doctor Boogs on Sept 13, 2007 11:05:16 GMT -5
I am surprised at the margin the Huskers took these games. Larson and Houghtelling's worst game of the year. Larson's worst game of the year? Based on what? 7 kills on 16 attempts compared to Houghtelling's 8 kills on 26 attempts. I guess how well you play is simply based on how many kills you have.
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