Post by baywatcher on Jun 18, 2012 10:04:55 GMT -5
After two weeks of Grand Prix any comments on the state of the Indoor Women's teams? The following statements are made with the comment that I never follow the international game, except at big tourneys:
POOL A
Italy is doing a good close but no cigar imitation without a number of starters. As an exercise in tryouts for the varsity, the Grand Prix must be considered a success. Piccinini was a hitting success v. Brazil and Ortolani has shown she can hit from the left, if needed.
Japan is 2-4, but haven't followed how many starters are playing.
Dominican Republic seems to be regressing a bit. That team is more dependent on stars than most, and if the stars aren't playing; well, supposedly they will in London. Playing a 16 year old at libero isn't going to deal with the big girls. Somebody said their regular libero had a miscarriage and wants to get back in time for London.
Algeria, Great Britain and Russia not in the Grand Prix. The Russians are the big X-factor in this tourney; anybody know what they are doing to prepare? Playing Bulgaria?
POOL B
US taking the approach of playing the A team and getting results. Great defense so far; offense, eh.
Brazil showed signs of putting together a Gold medal team, and of being past the tip of they pyramid of brilliance. The core OH of Mari, Paula, Sheila and Jaque each displayed skills over the weekend, but results were a five set win over the Italian B team and a loss to USA. Theis was the best middle on the floor on offense v. USA, outplaying Foluke in a matchup to look forward to. Blocking no way to evaluate, although Harmotto's 9 is at least indicative. US may be in their heads a bit.
China; eh, who knows? Haven't seen them play. Not a hard schedule yet, at home, no pressure as they will be in tourney finals. Winning is winning, though. Would be interested to hear what the international followers on this forum have to say.
Serbia seems in trouble with injuries and results.
Turkey is 5-1, seemingly playing confidently and remains a darkhorse candidate in London, or could finish out of the quarters if the Serbns and other top teams play to their potential.
Korea is not doing much; evidently injuries are affecting them.
Anyone else care to comment, particularly on teams outside the USA pools so far?
POOL A
Italy is doing a good close but no cigar imitation without a number of starters. As an exercise in tryouts for the varsity, the Grand Prix must be considered a success. Piccinini was a hitting success v. Brazil and Ortolani has shown she can hit from the left, if needed.
Japan is 2-4, but haven't followed how many starters are playing.
Dominican Republic seems to be regressing a bit. That team is more dependent on stars than most, and if the stars aren't playing; well, supposedly they will in London. Playing a 16 year old at libero isn't going to deal with the big girls. Somebody said their regular libero had a miscarriage and wants to get back in time for London.
Algeria, Great Britain and Russia not in the Grand Prix. The Russians are the big X-factor in this tourney; anybody know what they are doing to prepare? Playing Bulgaria?
POOL B
US taking the approach of playing the A team and getting results. Great defense so far; offense, eh.
Brazil showed signs of putting together a Gold medal team, and of being past the tip of they pyramid of brilliance. The core OH of Mari, Paula, Sheila and Jaque each displayed skills over the weekend, but results were a five set win over the Italian B team and a loss to USA. Theis was the best middle on the floor on offense v. USA, outplaying Foluke in a matchup to look forward to. Blocking no way to evaluate, although Harmotto's 9 is at least indicative. US may be in their heads a bit.
China; eh, who knows? Haven't seen them play. Not a hard schedule yet, at home, no pressure as they will be in tourney finals. Winning is winning, though. Would be interested to hear what the international followers on this forum have to say.
Serbia seems in trouble with injuries and results.
Turkey is 5-1, seemingly playing confidently and remains a darkhorse candidate in London, or could finish out of the quarters if the Serbns and other top teams play to their potential.
Korea is not doing much; evidently injuries are affecting them.
Anyone else care to comment, particularly on teams outside the USA pools so far?
