Predictions [Final Four]

[Eov]

torami said:

What is it about PSU's block that makes it so superior to NU's, which Cal used and abused? Cal looks fresher/livlier than Stanford, but I pick Stanford over Cal in a close final.

Well for one I'm thinking Penn State's block will actually show up for the match, two they are stat wise #2 in the country in this category. I know you can throw some stats out come match time but my hunch is that the Lions block will be much more effective. Nebraska should've just pulled off the net and used 6 diggers.....it was THAT BAD! I was there!

[Wolfgang]

I predict this forum will be half-empty a week after all the yokels post their Post-Finals analyses.

[BadKnees]

I'd say the most likely final is PSU vs Stanford, but any of these 4 teams could win the whole thing. Personally, even though I really want to see Stanford take it, this should be a great FF. I would be surprised if any of the 3 matches are sweeps. It's good for volleyball. (Yeah, I know it might be better if there was another non-pac10 team too.)

Stanford's weakness, ironically, is passing and defense. Ironically because passing and defense is what separates the pac 10 from other IMHO. If they pass well, they should win.

Put another way, these teams are all offensively strong, the best passing and defense will win it.

[unsignedBB]

I think it will be Stanford over USC in 4, and Stanford over PSU in 3 also!

[standingroomonly1]

In a strange, yet rare turn of events the AVCA rules committee has, just today, upheld the protest that OSU launched after the Regional Final In Minnesota against the Gophers in 2004. Seems Joan Powell made an errant call that was challenged and after reviewing the tapes, she was, indeed, incorrect with her call. The victory has now been awarded to OSU, thus taking away Minnesota's alleged appearance in the final vs Stanford. To correct this mistake the 2004 Stanford team including co-POY Ogonna Nnamani will play the championship match against the reunited 2004 tOhio State Buckeyes including co-POY Stacey Gordon so the fans will get to see the match up that was so highly anticipated. Who knows what the outcome will be but at least the match should be very entertaining..

[Gorf]

I just heard that the rules committee re-reversed their decision after being given video that showed numerous missed and incorrect calls that went in favor of OSU during all 5 games of that match thus declaring it a 3-0 sweep by the Gophers.

[volleysean27]

Cal will not be intimidated by the Penn St block. they are used to high quality opponents, they have lost some close ones and won some big games. Penn st however, is riding their wins agains mighty SIENNA, the powerful ALBANY, the great MICHIGAN , and cinderella BYU. Penn St might get their blocks, but the CAL OH will adjust. Pressey will get higher and higher and the middles will get involved, the key will be Morgan Beck. If Cal plays defense the way they did againts Nebraska , i think they will win. Penn st is like Texas, they like to terminate the first ball, i think if cal can scramble they will win in 4, If Penn st passes the ball well they will win in 4. But like every other Pac 10 team, Cal will have to play good defense.

[farmwatcher]

Complete parity amongst these four teams. Any can beat the other in a given night as shown by their records this year. The team that makes the fewest small errors is going to win all three matches, and I don't think anyone will win by more than ten total points in a match. If any of the key hitters who also play back row (Asia, Hana, Cynthia, Alix, Megan) have a bad night passing or lose thier nerve in hitting, their team will lose.

[standingroomonly1]

gorf said:

I just heard that the rules committee re-reversed their decision after being given video that showed numerous missed and incorrect calls that went in favor of OSU during all 5 games of that match thus declaring it a 3-0 sweep by the Gophers.

Damn that rules committee anyway...Maybe they should just do the 2004 Regional and the FF all over again!!

[tomasvzqz]

I'm going to say Stanford, just because I think their experience from loosing in the Final last year has got them feeling very hungry for the title. Almost the entire team was there last year.

Stanford and Penn State in the final.....and that game is a 'pick-em'

[Mocha]

If Stanford doesn't win it this year there is going to be a lot of pressure on next year's team. Since 1989 every Stanford class has won at least one championship. Kehoe and Girard are the only ones on this year's team that were part of the '04 championship squad and they'll be gone next year. Imagine Barboza and Akindawero not winning a title, nothing is guaranteed these days.

volleysean27 said:

Cal will not be intimidated by the Penn St block. they are used to high quality opponents, they have lost some close ones and won some big games. Penn st however, is riding their wins agains mighty SIENNA, the powerful ALBANY, the great MICHIGAN , and cinderella BYU. Penn St might get their blocks, but the CAL OH will adjust. Pressey will get higher and higher and the middles will get involved, the key will be Morgan Beck. If Cal plays defense the way they did againts Nebraska , i think they will win. Penn st is like Texas, they like to terminate the first ball, i think if cal can scramble they will win in 4, If Penn st passes the ball well they will win in 4. But like every other Pac 10 team, Cal will have to play good defense.

Pressey will get "higher and higher". What at 5'9" do they give her a step ladder to play from? The rhetoric of some of these posts as to the physical capabilities of the players on their teams gets to be a little MUCH.

I cannot predict, with absolute certainty, a Penn State victory against Cal. I hope they go on to win because they are the team that I root for. If not, there is always next year.

psufaninco said:

volleysean27 said:

Cal will not be intimidated by the Penn St block. they are used to high quality opponents, they have lost some close ones and won some big games. Penn st however, is riding their wins agains mighty SIENNA, the powerful ALBANY, the great MICHIGAN , and cinderella BYU. Penn St might get their blocks, but the CAL OH will adjust. Pressey will get higher and higher and the middles will get involved, the key will be Morgan Beck. If Cal plays defense the way they did againts Nebraska , i think they will win. Penn st is like Texas, they like to terminate the first ball, i think if cal can scramble they will win in 4, If Penn st passes the ball well they will win in 4. But like every other Pac 10 team, Cal will have to play good defense.

Pressey will get "higher and higher".

WHAT? Someone invited Keba Phipps to the Final Four and didn't tell me?

[Gorf]

Well, it's about time she's allowed to participate at that level.

She played on the Minnesota pro team back in the late 80s or early 90s; I think it was the early 90s though.

Definitely an amazing young player to watch back then...