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Post by redbeard2008 on Sept 21, 2014 17:10:34 GMT -5
I had earlier predicted the Badgers would win because of HCA and more experience but after the way they folded like a tent against the Huskies, I am puzzled. The Huskies had something to do with it. 22 blocks going up against arguably the best pure setter in the country is pretty remarkable. If the Badgers tent folded, it was from getting repeatedly roofed. Even so, the Badgers came within a hair's breadth of going up 2-0 on the Huskies.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 21, 2014 19:06:38 GMT -5
This isn't pure PSU @ WI, but we've put together a Stat Joust — comparing how Penn State, Wisconsin and Minnesota stack up against each other and the rest of the B1G and where their respective players rank in individual stat categories. The obvious caveat: they’ve played different teams, so it’s not an apples-to-apples comparison. For those who are interested, it's available here: Stat Joust: Penn State, Wisconsin and MinnesotaEven given the scheduling differences, we think some stats jump out. Like the fact that Minnesota is #1 in the league in blocking (and Penn State and Wisconsin are #11 and #14, respectively). And Penn State’s team attack percentage. And Taylor Morey’s gaudy dig stats. And Micha Hancock’s equally gaudy serving statistics. And Daly Santana’s very impressive points stats. Anyway, this should be a great match, and we're really looking forward to it.
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Post by rainbowbadger on Sept 21, 2014 22:09:10 GMT -5
I've still got a lingering concern from the Washington match, which is that Bates just kept hitting into the block. She got cold, and Sheffield didn't pull her until late in the 4th, when he put Taylor Fricano in for two points and then pulled her and put Bates back in. I'm just not sure what he was doing there. Bates was hitting into the block. Frick can (and did) hit over it. I know that Frick hasn't earned a starting spot and Bates has, and there is likely plenty of good reason for that from practices, which I do not attend, but we couldn't really have been losing worse at that point. What else could've happened? What is served by leaving Bates in at that juncture? Is it just that she needs to learn to figure her stuff out in that situation? But when the game is on the line?
Anyway... We do not have the world's best track record against PSU. I'm worried that Bates will get in a slump again and Sheff won't mix it up.
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Post by Longhorn20 on Sept 21, 2014 22:25:14 GMT -5
This isn't pure PSU @ WI, but we've put together a Stat Joust — comparing how Penn State, Wisconsin and Minnesota stack up against each other and the rest of the B1G and where their respective players rank in individual stat categories. The obvious caveat: they’ve played different teams, so it’s not an apples-to-apples comparison. For those who are interested, it's available here: Stat Joust: Penn State, Wisconsin and MinnesotaEven given the scheduling differences, we think some stats jump out. Like the fact that Minnesota is #1 in the league in blocking (and Penn State and Wisconsin are #11 and #14, respectively). And Penn State’s team attack percentage. And Taylor Morey’s gaudy dig stats. And Micha Hancock’s equally gaudy serving statistics. And Daly Santana’s very impressive points stats. Anyway, this should be a great match, and we're really looking forward to it. Micha's serving stats.....
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Post by psumaui on Sept 21, 2014 23:11:19 GMT -5
I'm thinking Penn State's blocking stats will get a big boost with Washington in the mix now.
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Post by wishconsin on Sept 21, 2014 23:21:38 GMT -5
I don't understand why Coach Sheffield didn't look to the bench to give Bates and Nelson a break when they were struggling. What he said after the game on the radio when he spoke with Jon Arias was that she needed to learn from the experience (I am paraphrasing because I can't recall his exact words). I would have looked to the bench and stuck with Fricano for a longer time. However, the B1G season begins this week and that is a higher priority. I know he likes to win but maybe his perspective is on the future. Either way, Washington certainly was a great test and taught our young players a lesson on blocking. I hope they are quick learners.
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Post by bballnut90 on Sept 21, 2014 23:53:47 GMT -5
I think Wisconsin wins in 3 or 4. For some reason, I think Frantti is going to really struggle this match. For as well as Penn State has been playing the last several weeks (ridiculous hitting percentages, dominating sweeps), I think playing Wisconsin in a very hostile environment will shake this young team. Plus, Wisconsin is coming off of a weekend where they beat a top 10 team in USC and nearly upset Washington. Led by Carlini, Wisconsin will be angry and focused. The x factor could be Haleigh Washington. This will be her first big match, and if she is dominant offensively and can slow down the slide, Wisconsin might be in for a long night. We'll see what happens, I think Wisconsin is going to come out fired up and be very hard to beat.
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Post by badgerbreath on Sept 22, 2014 0:16:51 GMT -5
I've still got a lingering concern from the Washington match, which is that Bates just kept hitting into the block. She got cold, and Sheffield didn't pull her until late in the 4th, when he put Taylor Fricano in for two points and then pulled her and put Bates back in. I'm just not sure what he was doing there. Bates was hitting into the block. Frick can (and did) hit over it. I know that Frick hasn't earned a starting spot and Bates has, and there is likely plenty of good reason for that from practices, which I do not attend, but we couldn't really have been losing worse at that point. What else could've happened? What is served by leaving Bates in at that juncture? Is it just that she needs to learn to figure her stuff out in that situation? But when the game is on the line? Anyway... We do not have the world's best track record against PSU. I'm worried that Bates will get in a slump again and Sheff won't mix it up. Well, I don't think sheff will be stubborn for no reason. He has obviously seen something in Bates, and maybe was using the moment as a teaching opportunity. Bates isn't sophisticated enough as a hitter, yet, and may need to learn a little resilience when facing this big quick blocks. That's one trait Deme may still has over Bates. It does beg the question, what about Fricano? I'm guessing one problem is that she's not a 6 rotation player like Bates, but she's definitely a bigger presence at 6-4. She would at least be good for a change up. Also, not having Kriskova for this is definitely a disadvantage for UW -- but we also played Penn St tough last Dec, when our offense was decidedly weaker. One thing I wonder about the Washington game is whether the short turn around time after the USC game may have affected preparation for them. Sheff typically has the players watch a fair bit of film before matches. There is a lot more time before this one...and I doubt we'll be going in too cocky. Should be a good game.
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Post by akbar on Sept 22, 2014 5:43:24 GMT -5
I think Wisconsin wins in 3 or 4. For some reason, I think Frantti is going to really struggle this match. For as well as Penn State has been playing the last several weeks (ridiculous hitting percentages, dominating sweeps), I think playing Wisconsin in a very hostile environment will shake this young team. Plus, Wisconsin is coming off of a weekend where they beat a top 10 team in USC and nearly upset Washington. Led by Carlini, Wisconsin will be angry and focused. The x factor could be Haleigh Washington. This will be her first big match, and if she is dominant offensively and can slow down the slide, Wisconsin might be in for a long night. We'll see what happens, I think Wisconsin is going to come out fired up and be very hard to beat. I rarely if ever saw a PSU team ever get rattled in any hostile environment. It what they expect every time they travel. It's one of the key ingredients to winning the B1G. Soooo...nah....not worried there. I doubt if Washington will have that much of an impact in this match. The PSU should absolutely go after Bates on serve receive. Not sure the Wisconsin team has the pin hitters to match up and sustain a win here. As good as Carlini is not sure she can will it herself and her tips didn't fall last year against Psu. Wisconsin so strength is through the middle and running those very effective slides. As PSU is a better serving team this year they will have to try to jam that option up as much as possible . I forsee a PSU victory in 3 or 4.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 22, 2014 5:49:20 GMT -5
I think Wisconsin wins in 3 or 4. For some reason, I think Frantti is going to really struggle this match. For as well as Penn State has been playing the last several weeks (ridiculous hitting percentages, dominating sweeps), I think playing Wisconsin in a very hostile environment will shake this young team. Plus, Wisconsin is coming off of a weekend where they beat a top 10 team in USC and nearly upset Washington. Led by Carlini, Wisconsin will be angry and focused. The x factor could be Haleigh Washington. This will be her first big match, and if she is dominant offensively and can slow down the slide, Wisconsin might be in for a long night. We'll see what happens, I think Wisconsin is going to come out fired up and be very hard to beat. . . .. I forsee a PSU victory in 3 or 4. From your lips to God's ears.
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Post by psumaui on Sept 22, 2014 5:57:27 GMT -5
I think Wisconsin wins in 3 or 4. For some reason, I think Frantti is going to really struggle this match. For as well as Penn State has been playing the last several weeks (ridiculous hitting percentages, dominating sweeps), I think playing Wisconsin in a very hostile environment will shake this young team. Plus, Wisconsin is coming off of a weekend where they beat a top 10 team in USC and nearly upset Washington. Led by Carlini, Wisconsin will be angry and focused. The x factor could be Haleigh Washington. This will be her first big match, and if she is dominant offensively and can slow down the slide, Wisconsin might be in for a long night. We'll see what happens, I think Wisconsin is going to come out fired up and be very hard to beat. I doubt if Washington will have that much of an impact in this match. If she starts I think you will be surprised on how much she will impact this match. I hope Russ will "Release the Krakan" on Wed!!
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Post by rda on Sept 22, 2014 6:18:56 GMT -5
I'm really looking forward to watching this match. It should be very entertaining. I haven't seen PSU play this season. How will the PSU big hitters do against Wiskys' excellent floor defense?
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Post by Wiswell on Sept 22, 2014 8:07:07 GMT -5
I don't understand why Coach Sheffield didn't look to the bench to give Bates and Nelson a break when they were struggling. What he said after the game on the radio when he spoke with Jon Arias was that she needed to learn from the experience (I am paraphrasing because I can't recall his exact words). I would have looked to the bench and stuck with Fricano for a longer time. However, the B1G season begins this week and that is a higher priority. I know he likes to win but maybe his perspective is on the future. Either way, Washington certainly was a great test and taught our young players a lesson on blocking. I hope they are quick learners. I have no evidence to support this, but I have read that if Sheffield had any coaching weaknesses, it is not making in-game adjustments. I understand there is a fine line between "playing through" and just being pulled (Waite was often criticized for the opposite - pulling too soon). I didn't see the match, but having seen some of Fricano, she does hit a hard ball and she's got 5 inches over Bates. Both are freshman, so they could both "learn from the experience." I am glad his perspective is on the future, and I like Bates, but Fricano is going to be part of that future too. At any rate, I will be curious about this week's lineup. I agree with others that PSU is not going to be intimidated by the "hostile" environment, and honestly, while well attended, I've never thought the Fieldhouse was all that hostile. Aside from the 1,000 students that showed up for Miami, the students that show are fairly quiet and so are us adults. And honestly, I bet Wisconsin feels more pressure about this match that PSU. PSU has proven they can beat them time and again. And Bucky Badger = Mr. Whipple, what??
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Post by Phillytom on Sept 22, 2014 8:28:13 GMT -5
Who knows how it will go. It's so early -- both teams are such a work in progress right now. I think I'll say the obvious thing, which is that serving and passing will probably decide it. PSU may have the edge there because PSU has the more experienced backcourt and some very good serving. Hancock gets all the attention, but Grant and Gonzalez get a lot of aces and service winners, Lacey Fuller serves tough, and Whitney has a terrific serve if she can be consistent with it. Plus PSU has been getting very good float serving so far this year from substitutes - Krause, Caraway and the Pierce sisters. That will actually be a factor for PSU this year if it continues. Looking at the box score from Wisky-Washington, looks like Wisky showed some vulnerability to a good block. But whether PSU can take advantage is a question. PSU is very solid on Courtney's side when Nia Grant is in, but not so much when it's freshmen on the left side. I don't know if the statistics bear it out, but my impression was The teams at the PSU alumni tournament last weekend were having success driving their offense right through Simone Lee/Whitney/Washington on the left side. (Lee and Whitney are playing really well offensively, it should be noted). Anyway, if PSU has a chink in their armor, Carlini will find it and exploit it. But in order to exploit it, Wisky is going to have to pass well. One other thing I wanted to pass along from seeing some matches in person over the weekend. Washington is going to be a wonderful player but she is clearly a long way from 100% physically. I don't think she is leaping or moving anything like she will be when she is healed. So that is kind of an X factor for PSU. If she can get some experience while getting strength and conditioning built up, Washington is one reason Penn State might be a lot better in December than they are right now. On the other hand there are limits to how much you can do during the grind of a season. So we need to keep expectations in check..... I'm PUMPED for this match! I'll say Wisconsin in 5 though.
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bluepenquin
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Post by bluepenquin on Sept 22, 2014 8:30:43 GMT -5
I had earlier predicted the Badgers would win because of HCA and more experience but after the way they folded like a tent against the Huskies, I am puzzled. The Badgers cannot afford to lose this match if they have any hopes of winning the league. Still they have the easier schedule and are the favorite this year.I read this a lot - in my opinion this is either overstated or not true. Both schools play home and home against Minnesota, Michigan, Ohio State, and Iowa. They both play single mateches against Indiana and Michigan State - although Wisconsin plays MSU on the road and PSU gets them at home (opposite for Indiana). This is a slight advantage for PSU. Both Schools play Maryland and Rutgers 3 times. And of course - Wisconsin gets PSU at home for their only match - Advantage Wisconsin. That leaves the matches against Nebraska, Illinois, Purdue, and Northwestern. Penn State gets Illinois and Purdue just once (and both at home), while Wisconsin gets Nebraska and Northwestern just once (NW on the road). On this part - I think Penn State has the easier schedule.
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