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Post by bucky415 on Aug 16, 2014 21:16:22 GMT -5
They basically didn't have anyone to sub last year, which I hope won't be the case this season. From what I am guessing at this point, they have six options for the three outside positions, not even counting defensive specialists for the back row. Last year, they won a match with two, with Morey playing on the outside. They look to be in a much better situation this season, but it does bring the challenges others have discussed earlier in the thread.
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Post by rainbowbadger on Aug 17, 2014 8:30:42 GMT -5
I am guessing the Badgers don't want to be in a position where they do front and back row substitutions for all three outsides, since that could easily lead to running out of subs, especially in the types of competitive matches the Badgers will probably have to play in order to win with their strength of schedule. The way I see it, the Badgers have two key issues to address: replacing Hickey's contributions in the back row and becoming more efficient offensively, especially at the L2 and right side positions. In regard to the first, while I think that Morey is a suitable replacement for Hickey at libero, they still need to find someone to fill the back row position that Morey played for the last half of last season. Basically, I think Chapman, Fricano, and Mikaelsen would have to have improved from what I have seen of them to be strong back row options, although I think all of them can bring firepower at the net and also a back row attack threat if they were to play there. Meanwhile, if Thomas and Morales do play all around, I think the Badgers would hope for higher hitting percentages from them. I haven't seen Bates play, but I would guess as an undersized outside coming in, her best chance to contribute immediately would be in the back row rather than the front row against the likes of USC, Washington, and Penn State relatively early in the year. For comparison's sake, Dolgner was very impressive when she came in, but even she didn't fare so well in her first match against Texas. Also, as I said, I haven't seen the team play, and with the improvements they showed over the course of last season, it is quite possible that the players have made a lot of strides from the spring even. I am definitely looking forward to the scrimmage next Saturday. The article about Kriskova's surgery said they expected her back during the pre-conference season, so I hope that means we get her for Washington and USC at least. I'm sure we'll learn more about her status on Wednesday. I do think Wiswell had a valid question about Thomas. This time last year, Court was L1. Granted, Jules was not yet injured (that happened the morning of the Cardinal & White last year), and Sheff was playing with moving Ellen to middle, so there were more options and the world was a little topsy-turvy. But what do people think about playing Ellen and Courtney on the left while Kriskova's recovering?
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Post by Deleted on Aug 17, 2014 9:44:51 GMT -5
Best thing that happened to Wisconsin last year was the "locked-in" line-up. Sheffield and staff had no options. It sorta made coaching easy. It appears as if things will be different this season.
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Post by rainbowbadger on Aug 17, 2014 22:56:15 GMT -5
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Post by Wiswell on Aug 18, 2014 11:39:26 GMT -5
Well I am in! Badger lurkers, if you are reading this, let this thread know if you are in!
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Post by Deleted on Aug 19, 2014 15:05:38 GMT -5
Sheffield just tweeted BINGO Anyone know who the recruit is?
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Post by rainbowbadger on Aug 19, 2014 15:29:41 GMT -5
2017 OH Grace Loberg, 6'2" OH from Geneva, IL. She plays with Club Fusion South.
Per Twitter:
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Post by rainbowbadger on Aug 19, 2014 15:52:42 GMT -5
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Post by rainbowbadger on Aug 19, 2014 18:06:47 GMT -5
Confirmed by Grace herself.
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Post by rainbowbadger on Aug 20, 2014 6:20:32 GMT -5
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Post by Wiswell on Aug 21, 2014 8:53:12 GMT -5
Some summaries from last night's season ticket holder meeting: Kriskova is currently doing some serving and hitting, so rehabbing well. Killer jump serve. Bates is a great add, still learning, could be 6 rotation player. Mikaelsen is at about 85%. Juley is a great add to the practice squad; high quality setter on the opposite side of the net. Doesn't know what he is going to do with her. Morey has the lead on the libero race - "not as quick as Hickey." Workman doing well in serving. Will miss Ito's and Graff's encouraging presence on the bench, and still looking for the supportive aspect of the team. Didn't discuss the other starters from last year too much. Discussed that discussion of last year is over, and no discussion of pre-seasons polls and rankings. Looks like there may be a 4-year PAC12/Big 10 pre-conference tournament (this isn't clear to me). At the very least, PAC 12 will be in Madison next season. Wants 4 home tournaments next year. 2015 class has all recruits projected as top 85 PrepVball, 2 in top 20. Other observations - enjoys Madison, facilities are suitable for recruiting, but would like to improve the locker rooms. Upper deck is closed. Renovations could occur if more butts in seats. Other observations available through the twitter feed. twitter.com/badgervball
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Post by Deleted on Aug 21, 2014 12:41:52 GMT -5
Mikaelsen is only 85 percent? is this from her injury a year ago or a new injury?
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Post by Wiswell on Aug 21, 2014 14:16:40 GMT -5
Mikaelsen is only 85 percent? is this from her injury a year ago or a new injury? Broken foot recovery. One of things that if you are a non-athlete, the definition of "recovery" is a lower bar. Sort of like the Darcy Dorton scenario where she lost a bit of her step and ended up at College of Charleston as a result. I'm not sure how long Mikaelsen been cleared to practice full time. She did not play in the spring match.
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Post by rainbowbadger on Aug 21, 2014 21:16:37 GMT -5
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Post by rainbowbadger on Aug 24, 2014 9:12:34 GMT -5
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