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Post by Deleted on Jul 27, 2014 19:04:05 GMT -5
We've posted the first part of a four-part Season Preview of the 2014 Penn State Women’s Volleyball team. Part 1 focuses on the Setter and Outside Hitter positions. Part 2 will cover the Opposite/Right Side and Middle Blocker positions. Part 3 will look at the Libero and Defensive Specialist candidates. Finally, Part 4 will focus on Head Coach Russ Rose, and his new staff members – Associate Head Coach Salima Rockwell, Assistant Coach Stevie Mussie, Director of Operations Kevin Burch, and Volunteer Assistant Coach Jay Goddu.
For each position, we provide an overview of who left and who returns, with tables illustrating the statistical contribution of those players in a variety of categories, as well as individual write-ups on all the players (including career stats).
It’s obviously early (pre-season practice hasn’t even begun yet), so things undoubtedly will change. If something major comes to our attention (other than our slacker staff actually doing some work — which would be major, but of limited interest outside of DigNittanyVolleyball World Headquarters), we’ll endeavor to provide updates to these Previews.
For those who are interested, here's a brief excerpt and a link: www.dignittanyvolleyball.com/penn-state-2014-season-preview-part-1-setters-and-outside-hitters/
Outlook by Position: Setters
"For 2014, Setter is one position that appears to be . . . well, pretty much set. 5-11 Sr. AVCA All-American (and All B1G 2013 Setter of the Year) Micha Hancock (pictured at left), returns after leading the Nittany Lions to the NCAA Division I Championship (its 6th overall and 5th in seven years) and its 16th B1G Women’s Volleyball title. With Hancock as Penn State’s starting setter, the Nittany Lions registered a .305 attack percentage — the 5th best percentage in NCAA Division I and first in the B1G.
Other returnees on the roster who are listed as potential setters are 6-2 Jr. Megan Courtney and 5-6 So. DS/S Taylor Krause. Although Courtney is a dynamic athlete who certainly could play the setter position, she started the past two seasons at OH and we look for her to start the 2014 season at Opposite/Right Side. (We include her bio in that section, below.) Krause played in 10 matches as a true freshman last season as a defensive specialist, and will look to expand her role in 2014. (Her bio is included in the DS section, below.)
New to the mix will be 6-1 Fr. Bryanna Weiskircher (pictured at right), who PrepVolley.com ranked as the #13 Senior Ace for 2014, and who has the ability to compete with Hancock."
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Post by ay2013 on Jul 27, 2014 19:36:16 GMT -5
We've posted the first part of a four-part Season Preview of the 2014 Penn State Women’s Volleyball team. Part 1 focuses on the Setter and Outside Hitter positions. Part 2 will cover the Opposite/Right Side and Middle Blocker positions. Part 3 will look at the Libero and Defensive Specialist candidates. Finally, Part 4 will focus on Head Coach Russ Rose, and his new staff members – Associate Head Coach Salima Rockwell, Assistant Coach Stevie Mussie, Director of Operations Kevin Burch, and Volunteer Assistant Coach Jay Goddu.
For each position, we provide an overview of who left and who returns, with tables illustrating the statistical contribution of those players in a variety of categories, as well as individual write-ups on all the players (including career stats).
It’s obviously early (pre-season practice hasn’t even begun yet), so things undoubtedly will change. If something major comes to our attention (other than our slacker staff actually doing some work — which would be major, but of limited interest outside of DigNittanyVolleyball World Headquarters), we’ll endeavor to provide updates to these Previews.
For those who are interested, here's a brief excerpt and a link: www.dignittanyvolleyball.com/penn-state-2014-season-preview-part-1-setters-and-outside-hitters/
Outlook by Position: Setters
"For 2014, Setter is one position that appears to be . . . well, pretty much set. 5-11 Sr. AVCA All-American (and All B1G 2013 Setter of the Year) Micha Hancock (pictured at left), returns after leading the Nittany Lions to the NCAA Division I Championship (its 6th overall and 5th in seven years) and its 16th B1G Women’s Volleyball title. With Hancock as Penn State’s starting setter, the Nittany Lions registered a .305 attack percentage — the 5th best percentage in NCAA Division I and first in the B1G.
Other returnees on the roster who are listed as potential setters are 6-2 Jr. Megan Courtney and 5-6 So. DS/S Taylor Krause. Although Courtney is a dynamic athlete who certainly could play the setter position, she started the past two seasons at OH and we look for her to start the 2014 season at Opposite/Right Side. (We include her bio in that section, below.) Krause played in 10 matches as a true freshman last season as a defensive specialist, and will look to expand her role in 2014. (Her bio is included in the DS section, below.)
New to the mix will be 6-1 Fr. Bryanna Weiskircher (pictured at right), who PrepVolley.com ranked as the #13 Senior Ace for 2014, and who has the ability to compete with Hancock."
All things on the table, No, Weiskircher does NOT have the ability to compete with Hancock this year. The actual article continued with the following comment: "Although Coach Rose tinkered with a 6-2 in 2006 with Alisha Glass and Jessica Yanz, and last year during the pre-season with Hancock and Courtney, we think it is unlikely (though not impossible) that we will see this from Penn State this season. What will be seen is a highly competitive 2nd team, led by an intense Weiskircher, pushing the starters day in and day out for playing time. And, in contrast to 2013 — when we never saw Hancock come off the floor — we also expect to see Weiskircher sub in from time to time to give her a break. Quality depth will be a welcome asset for Penn State in 2014."Is there some reason why Hancock SHOULD be coming off the floor? Does she tire out? get mentally jaded? unable to perform under pressure? ummmm ok. And even if that was true (it's not), some freshmen is going to be able to come off the bench to do all of those things?....ummm ok. I'm sure Weiskircher is solid, but the only tangible advantage she brings to the table is that she has previous setter-hitter connection with Frantti and Lee and she's taller. I just have a hard time understanding a situation where Hancock "needs a break" and Weiskircher would make more of a game changing impact. |
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Post by Boof1224 on Jul 27, 2014 19:47:43 GMT -5
With micha being a senior and leading them to one championship be very difficult to take her spot. Equal won't cut it. I think Brianna would have to play out of her mind to take that spot. After this year it will be her team though
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Post by ay2013 on Jul 27, 2014 19:54:23 GMT -5
With micha being a senior and leading them to one championship be very difficult to take her spot. Equal won't cut it. I think Brianna would have to play out of her mind to take that spot. After this year it will be her team though Well, she won't have to do much to take over the reigns, considering the fact that the only sizable non senior setter on the roster is Courtney. I'm sure Russ and Co. have all the confidence in the world for Brianna, but unless they are bringing in a top setting prospect in 2015, the team kind of has to be Brianna's next year. |
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Post by jagdpanther on Jul 27, 2014 20:03:13 GMT -5
To be fair, Hancock ousted Carpenter when Hancock was a freshman and Carp was coming off a season in which she set the team to a national championship, too.
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Post by Longhorn20 on Jul 27, 2014 20:03:17 GMT -5
We've posted the first part of a four-part Season Preview of the 2014 Penn State Women’s Volleyball team. Part 1 focuses on the Setter and Outside Hitter positions. Part 2 will cover the Opposite/Right Side and Middle Blocker positions. Part 3 will look at the Libero and Defensive Specialist candidates. Finally, Part 4 will focus on Head Coach Russ Rose, and his new staff members – Associate Head Coach Salima Rockwell, Assistant Coach Stevie Mussie, Director of Operations Kevin Burch, and Volunteer Assistant Coach Jay Goddu.
For each position, we provide an overview of who left and who returns, with tables illustrating the statistical contribution of those players in a variety of categories, as well as individual write-ups on all the players (including career stats).
It’s obviously early (pre-season practice hasn’t even begun yet), so things undoubtedly will change. If something major comes to our attention (other than our slacker staff actually doing some work — which would be major, but of limited interest outside of DigNittanyVolleyball World Headquarters), we’ll endeavor to provide updates to these Previews.
For those who are interested, here's a brief excerpt and a link: www.dignittanyvolleyball.com/penn-state-2014-season-preview-part-1-setters-and-outside-hitters/
Outlook by Position: Setters
"For 2014, Setter is one position that appears to be . . . well, pretty much set. 5-11 Sr. AVCA All-American (and All B1G 2013 Setter of the Year) Micha Hancock (pictured at left), returns after leading the Nittany Lions to the NCAA Division I Championship (its 6th overall and 5th in seven years) and its 16th B1G Women’s Volleyball title. With Hancock as Penn State’s starting setter, the Nittany Lions registered a .305 attack percentage — the 5th best percentage in NCAA Division I and first in the B1G.
Other returnees on the roster who are listed as potential setters are 6-2 Jr. Megan Courtney and 5-6 So. DS/S Taylor Krause. Although Courtney is a dynamic athlete who certainly could play the setter position, she started the past two seasons at OH and we look for her to start the 2014 season at Opposite/Right Side. (We include her bio in that section, below.) Krause played in 10 matches as a true freshman last season as a defensive specialist, and will look to expand her role in 2014. (Her bio is included in the DS section, below.)
New to the mix will be 6-1 Fr. Bryanna Weiskircher (pictured at right), who PrepVolley.com ranked as the #13 Senior Ace for 2014, and who has the ability to compete with Hancock."
All things on the table, No, Weiskircher does NOT have the ability to compete with Hancock this year. The actual article continued with the following comment: "Although Coach Rose tinkered with a 6-2 in 2006 with Alisha Glass and Jessica Yanz, and last year during the pre-season with Hancock and Courtney, we think it is unlikely (though not impossible) that we will see this from Penn State this season. What will be seen is a highly competitive 2nd team, led by an intense Weiskircher, pushing the starters day in and day out for playing time. And, in contrast to 2013 — when we never saw Hancock come off the floor — we also expect to see Weiskircher sub in from time to time to give her a break. Quality depth will be a welcome asset for Penn State in 2014."Is there some reason why Hancock SHOULD be coming off the floor? Does she tire out? get mentally jaded? unable to perform under pressure? ummmm ok. And even if that was true (it's not), some freshmen is going to be able to come off the bench to do all of those things?....ummm ok. I'm sure Weiskircher is solid, but the only tangible advantage she brings to the table is that she has previous setter-hitter connection with Frantti and Lee and she's taller. I just have a hard time understanding a situation where Hancock "needs a break" and Weiskircher would make more of a game changing impact. I think this would just be if all hitters were struggling. You know how if one hitter is struggling, you replace them, but if all the hitters are struggling, you replace the setter for a new look? I think this is more along the lines of what they're talking about. |
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Post by future on Jul 27, 2014 20:14:38 GMT -5
We've posted the first part of a four-part Season Preview of the 2014 Penn State Women’s Volleyball team. Part 1 focuses on the Setter and Outside Hitter positions. Part 2 will cover the Opposite/Right Side and Middle Blocker positions. Part 3 will look at the Libero and Defensive Specialist candidates. Finally, Part 4 will focus on Head Coach Russ Rose, and his new staff members – Associate Head Coach Salima Rockwell, Assistant Coach Stevie Mussie, Director of Operations Kevin Burch, and Volunteer Assistant Coach Jay Goddu.
For each position, we provide an overview of who left and who returns, with tables illustrating the statistical contribution of those players in a variety of categories, as well as individual write-ups on all the players (including career stats).
It’s obviously early (pre-season practice hasn’t even begun yet), so things undoubtedly will change. If something major comes to our attention (other than our slacker staff actually doing some work — which would be major, but of limited interest outside of DigNittanyVolleyball World Headquarters), we’ll endeavor to provide updates to these Previews.
For those who are interested, here's a brief excerpt and a link: www.dignittanyvolleyball.com/penn-state-2014-season-preview-part-1-setters-and-outside-hitters/
Outlook by Position: Setters
"For 2014, Setter is one position that appears to be . . . well, pretty much set. 5-11 Sr. AVCA All-American (and All B1G 2013 Setter of the Year) Micha Hancock (pictured at left), returns after leading the Nittany Lions to the NCAA Division I Championship (its 6th overall and 5th in seven years) and its 16th B1G Women’s Volleyball title. With Hancock as Penn State’s starting setter, the Nittany Lions registered a .305 attack percentage — the 5th best percentage in NCAA Division I and first in the B1G.
Other returnees on the roster who are listed as potential setters are 6-2 Jr. Megan Courtney and 5-6 So. DS/S Taylor Krause. Although Courtney is a dynamic athlete who certainly could play the setter position, she started the past two seasons at OH and we look for her to start the 2014 season at Opposite/Right Side. (We include her bio in that section, below.) Krause played in 10 matches as a true freshman last season as a defensive specialist, and will look to expand her role in 2014. (Her bio is included in the DS section, below.)
New to the mix will be 6-1 Fr. Bryanna Weiskircher (pictured at right), who PrepVolley.com ranked as the #13 Senior Ace for 2014, and who has the ability to compete with Hancock."
All things on the table, No, Weiskircher does NOT have the ability to compete with Hancock this year. The actual article continued with the following comment: "Although Coach Rose tinkered with a 6-2 in 2006 with Alisha Glass and Jessica Yanz, and last year during the pre-season with Hancock and Courtney, we think it is unlikely (though not impossible) that we will see this from Penn State this season. What will be seen is a highly competitive 2nd team, led by an intense Weiskircher, pushing the starters day in and day out for playing time. And, in contrast to 2013 — when we never saw Hancock come off the floor — we also expect to see Weiskircher sub in from time to time to give her a break. Quality depth will be a welcome asset for Penn State in 2014."Is there some reason why Hancock SHOULD be coming off the floor? Does she tire out? get mentally jaded? unable to perform under pressure? ummmm ok. And even if that was true (it's not), some freshmen is going to be able to come off the bench to do all of those things?....ummm ok. I'm sure Weiskircher is solid, but the only tangible advantage she brings to the table is that she has previous setter-hitter connection with Frantti and Lee and she's taller. I just have a hard time understanding a situation where Hancock "needs a break" and Weiskircher would make more of a game changing impact. Sure I could see Wieskircher getting some valuable PT this year especially early in the year. Playing 3 matches in 2 games in the home tourneys and Villanova one. Certainly plausible and helpful when the reigns are turned over to her next year. It would not be based on Hancock performance or the only negative ones you could think of but rather the one above. 08/29/14 vs. TCU University Park, Pa. 7:30 p.m. ET 08/30/14 vs. Iona University Park, Pa. 10:00 a.m. ET vs. William & Mary University Park, Pa. 7:00 p.m. ET Big Ten/Pac-12 Challenge 09/05/14 at Stanford Palo Alto, Calif. 9:00 p.m. ET 09/06/14 vs. UCLA Palo Alto, Calif. 8:00 p.m. ET Villanova Classic 09/12/14 vs. American Villanova, Pa. 2:30 p.m. ET at Villanova Villanova, Pa. 7:30 p.m. ET 09/13/14 vs. Yale Villanova, Pa. 12:00 p.m. ET vs. Kansas Villanova, Pa. 5:30 p.m. ET Penn State Alumni Classic 09/19/14 vs. Eastern Illinois University Park, Pa. 4:00 p.m. ET vs. DePaul University Park, Pa. 7:30 p.m. ET 09/20/14 vs. UIC University Park, Pa. 9:00 a.m. ET vs. East Carolina University Park, Pa. 7:30 p.m. ET |
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Post by ay2013 on Jul 27, 2014 20:18:14 GMT -5
All things on the table, No, Weiskircher does NOT have the ability to compete with Hancock this year. The actual article continued with the following comment: "Although Coach Rose tinkered with a 6-2 in 2006 with Alisha Glass and Jessica Yanz, and last year during the pre-season with Hancock and Courtney, we think it is unlikely (though not impossible) that we will see this from Penn State this season. What will be seen is a highly competitive 2nd team, led by an intense Weiskircher, pushing the starters day in and day out for playing time. And, in contrast to 2013 — when we never saw Hancock come off the floor — we also expect to see Weiskircher sub in from time to time to give her a break. Quality depth will be a welcome asset for Penn State in 2014."Is there some reason why Hancock SHOULD be coming off the floor? Does she tire out? get mentally jaded? unable to perform under pressure? ummmm ok. And even if that was true (it's not), some freshmen is going to be able to come off the bench to do all of those things?....ummm ok. I'm sure Weiskircher is solid, but the only tangible advantage she brings to the table is that she has previous setter-hitter connection with Frantti and Lee and she's taller. I just have a hard time understanding a situation where Hancock "needs a break" and Weiskircher would make more of a game changing impact. I think this would just be if all hitters were struggling. You know how if one hitter is struggling, you replace them, but if all the hitters are struggling, you replace the setter for a new look? I think this is more along the lines of what they're talking about. Well that would be the case with ANY team, but we are talking about PSU, with a returning first team AA, potential POY setter. It's one thing to replace a setter if no offense could be generated off of decent transitional defense, It's another, entirely, to suggest that Hancock won't be able to generate offense and will "from time to time need a break". |
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Post by ay2013 on Jul 27, 2014 20:20:56 GMT -5
All things on the table, No, Weiskircher does NOT have the ability to compete with Hancock this year. The actual article continued with the following comment: "Although Coach Rose tinkered with a 6-2 in 2006 with Alisha Glass and Jessica Yanz, and last year during the pre-season with Hancock and Courtney, we think it is unlikely (though not impossible) that we will see this from Penn State this season. What will be seen is a highly competitive 2nd team, led by an intense Weiskircher, pushing the starters day in and day out for playing time. And, in contrast to 2013 — when we never saw Hancock come off the floor — we also expect to see Weiskircher sub in from time to time to give her a break. Quality depth will be a welcome asset for Penn State in 2014."Is there some reason why Hancock SHOULD be coming off the floor? Does she tire out? get mentally jaded? unable to perform under pressure? ummmm ok. And even if that was true (it's not), some freshmen is going to be able to come off the bench to do all of those things?....ummm ok. I'm sure Weiskircher is solid, but the only tangible advantage she brings to the table is that she has previous setter-hitter connection with Frantti and Lee and she's taller. I just have a hard time understanding a situation where Hancock "needs a break" and Weiskircher would make more of a game changing impact. Sure I could see Wieskircher getting some valuable PT this year especially early in the year. Playing 3 matches in 2 games in the home tourneys and Villanova one. Certainly plausible and helpful when the reigns are turned over to her next year. It would not be based on Hancock performance or the only negative ones you could think of but rather the one above. 08/29/14 vs. TCU University Park, Pa. 7:30 p.m. ET 08/30/14 vs. Iona University Park, Pa. 10:00 a.m. ET vs. William & Mary University Park, Pa. 7:00 p.m. ET Big Ten/Pac-12 Challenge 09/05/14 at Stanford Palo Alto, Calif. 9:00 p.m. ET 09/06/14 vs. UCLA Palo Alto, Calif. 8:00 p.m. ET Villanova Classic 09/12/14 vs. American Villanova, Pa. 2:30 p.m. ET at Villanova Villanova, Pa. 7:30 p.m. ET 09/13/14 vs. Yale Villanova, Pa. 12:00 p.m. ET vs. Kansas Villanova, Pa. 5:30 p.m. ET Penn State Alumni Classic 09/19/14 vs. Eastern Illinois University Park, Pa. 4:00 p.m. ET vs. DePaul University Park, Pa. 7:30 p.m. ET 09/20/14 vs. UIC University Park, Pa. 9:00 a.m. ET vs. East Carolina University Park, Pa. 7:30 p.m. ET Well, perhaps the people who wrote the article should have better wording. I too could see Rose giving new faces playing time against little sisters of the poor, but player exposure in a meaningless match is completely different than suggesting that Hancock will "need a break" 3 weeks into the season. It's not the same, and you know it. |
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Post by ay2013 on Jul 27, 2014 20:25:33 GMT -5
To be fair, Hancock ousted Carpenter when Hancock was a freshman and Carp was coming off a season in which she set the team to a national championship, too. Very true, and I will be the first person to put my foot in my mouth if it turns out that Brianna can do the same, but I'm not holding my breathe. Hancock just brings too much to the court beyond setting the ball. She's a front row and backrow weapon. She is easily responsible for 3 to 4 points per set for PSU without ever setting the ball to another player. |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 27, 2014 20:40:16 GMT -5
We've posted the first part of a four-part Season Preview of the 2014 Penn State Women’s Volleyball team. Part 1 focuses on the Setter and Outside Hitter positions. Part 2 will cover the Opposite/Right Side and Middle Blocker positions. Part 3 will look at the Libero and Defensive Specialist candidates. Finally, Part 4 will focus on Head Coach Russ Rose, and his new staff members – Associate Head Coach Salima Rockwell, Assistant Coach Stevie Mussie, Director of Operations Kevin Burch, and Volunteer Assistant Coach Jay Goddu.
For each position, we provide an overview of who left and who returns, with tables illustrating the statistical contribution of those players in a variety of categories, as well as individual write-ups on all the players (including career stats).
It’s obviously early (pre-season practice hasn’t even begun yet), so things undoubtedly will change. If something major comes to our attention (other than our slacker staff actually doing some work — which would be major, but of limited interest outside of DigNittanyVolleyball World Headquarters), we’ll endeavor to provide updates to these Previews.
For those who are interested, here's a brief excerpt and a link: www.dignittanyvolleyball.com/penn-state-2014-season-preview-part-1-setters-and-outside-hitters/
Outlook by Position: Setters
"For 2014, Setter is one position that appears to be . . . well, pretty much set. 5-11 Sr. AVCA All-American (and All B1G 2013 Setter of the Year) Micha Hancock (pictured at left), returns after leading the Nittany Lions to the NCAA Division I Championship (its 6th overall and 5th in seven years) and its 16th B1G Women’s Volleyball title. With Hancock as Penn State’s starting setter, the Nittany Lions registered a .305 attack percentage — the 5th best percentage in NCAA Division I and first in the B1G.
Other returnees on the roster who are listed as potential setters are 6-2 Jr. Megan Courtney and 5-6 So. DS/S Taylor Krause. Although Courtney is a dynamic athlete who certainly could play the setter position, she started the past two seasons at OH and we look for her to start the 2014 season at Opposite/Right Side. (We include her bio in that section, below.) Krause played in 10 matches as a true freshman last season as a defensive specialist, and will look to expand her role in 2014. (Her bio is included in the DS section, below.)
New to the mix will be 6-1 Fr. Bryanna Weiskircher (pictured at right), who PrepVolley.com ranked as the #13 Senior Ace for 2014, and who has the ability to compete with Hancock."
All things on the table, No, Weiskircher does NOT have the ability to compete with Hancock this year. The actual article continued with the following comment: "Although Coach Rose tinkered with a 6-2 in 2006 with Alisha Glass and Jessica Yanz, and last year during the pre-season with Hancock and Courtney, we think it is unlikely (though not impossible) that we will see this from Penn State this season. What will be seen is a highly competitive 2nd team, led by an intense Weiskircher, pushing the starters day in and day out for playing time. And, in contrast to 2013 — when we never saw Hancock come off the floor — we also expect to see Weiskircher sub in from time to time to give her a break. Quality depth will be a welcome asset for Penn State in 2014."Is there some reason why Hancock SHOULD be coming off the floor? Does she tire out? get mentally jaded? unable to perform under pressure? ummmm ok. And even if that was true (it's not), some freshmen is going to be able to come off the bench to do all of those things?....ummm ok. I'm sure Weiskircher is solid, but the only tangible advantage she brings to the table is that she has previous setter-hitter connection with Frantti and Lee and she's taller. I just have a hard time understanding a situation where Hancock "needs a break" and Weiskircher would make more of a game changing impact. Other than that, how did you like the play, Mrs. Lincoln? Actually, a better phrase would have been "to give her [Weiskircher] experience" -- and that change has been made. As to the ability to "compete" with Hancock, I think you have a different understanding of the word "compete." Last year, certainly, Penn State didn't really have a high level setter other than Hancock. This year, with Weiskircher, it will. So yes, she can "compete" in the sense that she's legit -- not that she'll win that competition. |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 27, 2014 21:06:27 GMT -5
We've posted the first part of a four-part Season Preview of the 2014 Penn State Women’s Volleyball team. Part 1 focuses on the Setter and Outside Hitter positions. Part 2 will cover the Opposite/Right Side and Middle Blocker positions. Part 3 will look at the Libero and Defensive Specialist candidates. Finally, Part 4 will focus on Head Coach Russ Rose, and his new staff members – Associate Head Coach Salima Rockwell, Assistant Coach Stevie Mussie, Director of Operations Kevin Burch, and Volunteer Assistant Coach Jay Goddu.
For each position, we provide an overview of who left and who returns, with tables illustrating the statistical contribution of those players in a variety of categories, as well as individual write-ups on all the players (including career stats).
It’s obviously early (pre-season practice hasn’t even begun yet), so things undoubtedly will change. If something major comes to our attention (other than our slacker staff actually doing some work — which would be major, but of limited interest outside of DigNittanyVolleyball World Headquarters), we’ll endeavor to provide updates to these Previews.
For those who are interested, here's a brief excerpt and a link: www.dignittanyvolleyball.com/penn-state-2014-season-preview-part-1-setters-and-outside-hitters/
Outlook by Position: Setters
"For 2014, Setter is one position that appears to be . . . well, pretty much set. 5-11 Sr. AVCA All-American (and All B1G 2013 Setter of the Year) Micha Hancock (pictured at left), returns after leading the Nittany Lions to the NCAA Division I Championship (its 6th overall and 5th in seven years) and its 16th B1G Women’s Volleyball title. With Hancock as Penn State’s starting setter, the Nittany Lions registered a .305 attack percentage — the 5th best percentage in NCAA Division I and first in the B1G.
Other returnees on the roster who are listed as potential setters are 6-2 Jr. Megan Courtney and 5-6 So. DS/S Taylor Krause. Although Courtney is a dynamic athlete who certainly could play the setter position, she started the past two seasons at OH and we look for her to start the 2014 season at Opposite/Right Side. (We include her bio in that section, below.) Krause played in 10 matches as a true freshman last season as a defensive specialist, and will look to expand her role in 2014. (Her bio is included in the DS section, below.)
New to the mix will be 6-1 Fr. Bryanna Weiskircher (pictured at right), who PrepVolley.com ranked as the #13 Senior Ace for 2014, and who has the ability to compete with Hancock."
Is there some reason why Hancock SHOULD be coming off the floor? Does she tire out? get mentally jaded? unable to perform under pressure? ummmm ok. And even if that was true (it's not), some freshmen is going to be able to come off the bench to do all of those things?....ummm ok. I'm sure Weiskircher is solid, but the only tangible advantage she brings to the table is that she has previous setter-hitter connection with Frantti and Lee and she's taller. I just have a hard time understanding a situation where Hancock "needs a break" and Weiskircher would make more of a game changing impact. The author has no idea what he's talking about. Hancock doesn't need a break, and there is no scenario in which Hancock gets subbed out if she starts. |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 27, 2014 21:10:53 GMT -5
To be fair, Hancock ousted Carpenter when Hancock was a freshman and Carp was coming off a season in which she set the team to a national championship, too. Very true, and I will be the first person to put my foot in my mouth if it turns out that Brianna can do the same, but I'm not holding my breathe. Hancock just brings too much to the court beyond setting the ball. She's a front row and backrow weapon. She is easily responsible for 3 to 4 points per set for PSU without ever setting the ball to another player. If Weiskircher makes Frantti, Washington, and Lee more effective, she should start. If she leads, communicates, and manages better, she should start. Hancock should not be the starting setter because she's an exceptional server, is left-handed, and yells. |
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Post by kokyu on Jul 28, 2014 1:44:09 GMT -5
Highlight video of this freshman setter?
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Post by akbar on Jul 28, 2014 7:32:07 GMT -5
[/quote]The author has no idea what he's talking about. Hancock doesn't need a break, and there is no scenario in which Hancock gets subbed out if she starts. [/quote]
OK.... Francis.
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