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Post by vballgirl88 on Aug 1, 2014 11:28:26 GMT -5
What does everyone think? Who are going to be the top teams in the region that you are most familiar with this season? Will Concordia capture their 100th (or something like that) straight title?
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Post by Volley1234 on Aug 1, 2014 22:45:22 GMT -5
Yes, sadly I wish D2 volleyball was more competitive even though Tampa will be a huge competitor
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Post by utoolity on Aug 1, 2014 23:49:43 GMT -5
It is competitive but the playoff model isn't. Inviting at least 2-3 regional teams to the elite eight that wouldn't crack the regional rankings in the other 5 regions keeps the sport down. Much like men's volleyball did for so long. Harvard in the final four a while back is a prime example.
Concordia has not only won the titles though, they've done it through an incredible region so nothing wrong with a proven champion. Their opposite and setter will be tough to replace but that's been said at least one other time and they did just fine.
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Post by volleyballd on Aug 2, 2014 7:45:36 GMT -5
What are the best conferences and regions in D2?
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Post by vballgirl88 on Aug 2, 2014 8:09:24 GMT -5
The best conference in Division II is easily the Northern Sun with all of the Minnesota schools in it. Every night is a battle in that conference. The Sunshine State conference is also tough. There are some in the midwest (GLIAC, GLVC, and MIAA) that are pretty strong usually as well along with the west coast conferences.
In terms of the regions, I would put them in this order.
Central
South
West and/or Midwest
South Central
Southeast
Atlantic
East
The West and Midwest are pretty close in 3 & 4 and could probably be interchanged.
Also, I agree with you guys in terms of regionalization and the NCAA tournament. However, I do not ever seeing that change in Division II because the university presidents are in love with it because it is better for them financially and gives them all more equal footing.
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Post by hawkfan on Aug 2, 2014 10:42:27 GMT -5
Agree completely about the Central Region being incredibly competitive and tough. Even though I understand the financial aspect of the regionalization, it's such a shame that teams like UM-Duluth, SW Minn St, Minn St - Mankato and Wayne St haven't been able to compete in the Elite 8 in so long. They are high-quality teams and deserve to be there. And to your point, utoolity, Concordia can confidently claim they fought hard for and earned their national championships not only because of their performance in the Elite 8, but also just to get out of the Central Region alive.
As for CU this year, they do lose a heck of a combo in their RS (Koenecke) and setter (Konetchy) but Coach Starkey will reload as he always does. He is masterful at ensuring there are players ready to step into these vacated key roles and has proven it time and again. There might be a few unexpected losses during the year but come tourney time, my money will absolutely be on the Golden Bears. Always so deep, fundamentally sound and with unbelievable team chemistry.
Agree that Tampa is always tough. too. Should be another fun year of DII vball!
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Post by vballgirl88 on Aug 2, 2014 14:26:07 GMT -5
Agree completely about the Central Region being incredibly competitive and tough. Even though I understand the financial aspect of the regionalization, it's such a shame that teams like UM-Duluth, SW Minn St, Minn St - Mankato and Wayne St haven't been able to compete in the Elite 8 in so long. They are high-quality teams and deserve to be there. And to your point, utoolity, Concordia can confidently claim they fought hard for and earned their national championships not only because of their performance in the Elite 8, but also just to get out of the Central Region alive. As for CU this year, they do lose a heck of a combo in their RS (Koenecke) and setter (Konetchy) but Coach Starkey will reload as he always does. He is masterful at ensuring there are players ready to step into these vacated key roles and has proven it time and again. There might be a few unexpected losses during the year but come tourney time, my money will absolutely be on the Golden Bears. Always so deep, fundamentally sound and with unbelievable team chemistry. Agree that Tampa is always tough. too. Should be another fun year of DII vball! 100% agree |
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Post by mavericks on Aug 3, 2014 2:19:50 GMT -5
With Concordia Irvine in the process of making the transition to DII after this season, I would love to see a Concordia vs Concordia final.
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Post by madonna on Aug 3, 2014 4:42:24 GMT -5
The match between Concordia-St. Paul vs. BYU-Hawaii on Sept. 13 in the Colorado Premier Challenge should be a good one. BYU-Hawaii lost only their DS/L of last year's team.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2014 10:36:03 GMT -5
Probably too early in the season for CSP.
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