|
Post by ay2013 on Sept 24, 2014 1:26:22 GMT -5
Miyashiro WAS good enough to replace Lee, she had a great her freshmen year, period. Orlandini, while not living up to Miyashiro's freshmen standards when she was a freshmen, was still solid. Right now, I'd take a freshmen Orlandini than a junior Strickland. Strickland's reading of the defense and touches on the ball (both in passing and digging) is NOT consistently good. It's not like she's practicing these skills for the first time in career. She's spent most of her life in the backcourt. She's regressed backcourt, probably for a variety of reasons, but regressed nonetheless. I have seen every single televised or streamed UW match for years, some multiple times, and Strickland was passing and digging better her freshmen year and half of her sophomore year. Ever since the second half of last year she's been sub standard for a team this caliber. Sure now she's playing exclusively backcourt, and can't rely on a senior leader to truly rule the backcourt, but that shouldn't, and doesn't change her abilities. I've seen balls hit straight at her in the last few weeks that have been plainly shanked of just poor technique on defense. She may have high standards for herself, and that's great, but that doesn't mean she's playing to that high standard. I call it like I see it. Congratulations, you "call it like you see it"....that doesn't mean that the way you "see" it is how it is. I would love to see you do what these players are doing to the level that they are doing it and trying to achieve...honestly, what exactly qualifies you to judge how well or terribly players are doing? Yes, it is your opinion, but maybe just once in a while you could take into consideration that every thought you have or opinion you form may not be accurate or fully informed. Obviously McLaughlin has faith, maybe give some creedance to someone with the qualifications to assess the situation? Give the girl some time, it's all a progressive and forever changing process. She works hard and has all the fight anyone could want, you say you love all your DAWGS and have hope that she will fullfill her potential, maybe demonstrate that by not cutting her down whenever given the opportunity? Well, of course how I see it i just my OPINION, just like you have yours. Frankly, I couldn't do what they are doing, but if nobody could comment on someone's play unless they could equal or exceed that play, then we wouldn't have forums like volleytalk. I actually find it widely comical, and wholly hypocritical that you even ask what "qualifies me to judge how well or terribly players are doing". What qualifies anyone from doing so? you? mikegarrison? tomclen? redbeard? etc...this deserves a big eye roll. If I were gushing about Vansant's play you'd be completely SILENT, yet, would this not still apply? that is my issue with some of you here on volleytalk. It's all fun and games as long as someone is always harping on and agreeing about things you support, but the minute someone takes a differing, critical view, you get defensive and start slinging comments that could just as easily apply to yourself! Block looking good today, love Finau's hustle and the way she moves the ball around. Jones and Schwan looking solid as well! Beals serving is deceptively tricky to pass!
I thought Nelson was lacking most of the match but I also thought the setters should have gone to Jones more.
Floor defense was sketchy but I wouldn't attribute it all to Strickland. If they made some better setting choice that set would have ended differently in my opinion.these are all comments made by you just in the last few UW matches...."what exactly qualifies you to judge how well or terribly players are doing"...see how largely applicable and frankly stupid your comment is? it could, quite literally, apply to 85% of all comments made here on volleytalk, by everyone that posts. I never asked anyone to accept my opinion as fact, it's how I see it, and I stand by it. I've been supportive of Strickland. It's not like she's new to the program....I've seen her play for years, and have praised her for exceeding expectations...check my posting history. Just because she's not exceeding my (and not I said MY) expectations now, doesn't mean I've always "cut her down". I did not post this article, but I'll be damned if I can't post an alternative viewpoint simply because you don't want to see criticism of Strickland. Also, just because articles are written about her and the coaching staff gave her the L jersey, doesn't mean I have to fall in lock step with the narrative. I can make conclusions for myself, thank you very much. And btw, I never said she should give up being a libero, NEVER SAID IT... what I said is that her play, right now, is not where we need it to be. Are my opinions always accurate? no (but nobodies are, including you)...are they fully informed?....What exactly does that mean? my opinions are based on what I see and have seen...I've been an avid follower and supporter of husky volleyball for years. A vocal leader for Washington volleyball here on volleytalk for almost a decade. Anyone that questions my purple and gold loyalty is sadly mistaken. There isn't a program I want to see do well more than Washington, that isn't even up for debate. But that doesn't mean I have to positively biased toward the program and its players. That's irrational. As mikegarrison said, disagree with what I've said or ignore me, but don't tell me what to post. It's not conducive to an interesting discussion, as mike said, and, more importantly, I'm not going to listen anyway! Maybe my "negative" posts will challenge her to reach that elite libero level faster...she like a challenge after all. But, just be warned, if a year and a half from now in an article after she makes 1st team AA as a libero and credits the rants of volleytalkers as her catalyst for backcourt greatness, I WILL be saying I told you so
|
|
|
Post by Cruz'n on Sept 24, 2014 1:37:57 GMT -5
As an impartial observer: CS is a lot of fun to watch. You can see her desire oozing out of her. She has so much energy and fire, it's no wonder she elevates everyone elses level of play. She is playing a new position, so there is obviously and adjustment period. But I don't believe she is a liability; and as the weeks go by, I'm sure she is only going to get better as she gets more comfortable at libero.
|
|
|
Post by vllybll09 on Sept 24, 2014 2:02:15 GMT -5
Congratulations, you "call it like you see it"....that doesn't mean that the way you "see" it is how it is. I would love to see you do what these players are doing to the level that they are doing it and trying to achieve...honestly, what exactly qualifies you to judge how well or terribly players are doing? Yes, it is your opinion, but maybe just once in a while you could take into consideration that every thought you have or opinion you form may not be accurate or fully informed. Obviously McLaughlin has faith, maybe give some creedance to someone with the qualifications to assess the situation? Give the girl some time, it's all a progressive and forever changing process. She works hard and has all the fight anyone could want, you say you love all your DAWGS and have hope that she will fullfill her potential, maybe demonstrate that by not cutting her down whenever given the opportunity? Well, of course how I see it i just my OPINION, just like you have yours. Frankly, I couldn't do what they are doing, but if nobody could comment on someone's play unless they could equal or exceed that play, then we wouldn't have forums like volleytalk. I actually find it widely comical, and wholly hypocritical that you even ask what "qualifies me to judge how well or terribly players are doing". What qualifies anyone from doing so? you? mikegarrison? tomclen? redbeard? etc...this deserves a big eye roll. If I were gushing about Vansant's play you'd be completely SILENT, yet, would this not still apply? that is my issue with some of you here on volleytalk. It's all fun and games as long as someone is always harping on and agreeing about things you support, but the minute someone takes a differing, critical view, you get defensive and start slinging comments that could just as easily apply to yourself! Block looking good today, love Finau's hustle and the way she moves the ball around. Jones and Schwan looking solid as well! Beals serving is deceptively tricky to pass!
I thought Nelson was lacking most of the match but I also thought the setters should have gone to Jones more.
Floor defense was sketchy but I wouldn't attribute it all to Strickland. If they made some better setting choice that set would have ended differently in my opinion.these are all comments made by you just in the last few UW matches...."what exactly qualifies you to judge how well or terribly players are doing"...see how largely applicable and frankly stupid your comment is? it could, quite literally, apply to 85% of all comments made here on volleytalk, by everyone that posts. I never asked anyone to accept my opinion as fact, it's how I see it, and I stand by it. I've been supportive of Strickland. It's not like she's new to the program....I've seen her play for years, and have praised her for exceeding expectations...check my posting history. Just because she's not exceeding my (and not I said MY) expectations now, doesn't mean I've always "cut her down". I did not post this article, but I'll be damned if I can't post an alternative viewpoint simply because you don't want to see criticism of Strickland. Also, just because articles are written about her and the coaching staff gave her the L jersey, doesn't mean I have to fall in lock step with the narrative. I can make conclusions for myself, thank you very much. And btw, I never said she should give up being a libero, NEVER SAID IT... what I said is that her play, right now, is not where we need it to be. Are my opinions always accurate? no (but nobodies are, including you)...are they fully informed?....What exactly does that mean? my opinions are based on what I see and have seen...I've been an avid follower and supporter of husky volleyball for years. A vocal leader for Washington volleyball here on volleytalk for almost a decade. Anyone that questions my purple and gold loyalty is sadly mistaken. There isn't a program I want to see do well more than Washington, that isn't even up for debate. But that doesn't mean I have to positively biased toward the program and its players. That's irrational. As mikegarrison said, disagree with what I've said or ignore me, but don't tell me what to post. It's not conducive to an interesting discussion, as mike said, and, more importantly, I'm not going to listen anyway! Maybe my "negative" posts will challenge her to reach that elite libero level faster...she like a challenge after all. But, just be warned, if a year and a half from now in an article after she makes 1st team AA as a libero and credits the rants of volleytalkers as her catalyst for backcourt greatness, I WILL be saying I told you so Yep I'm sure she is reading this and it will be the motivating factor to any future success she may have.... please note that I said perhaps I was a but over zealous with my response. But also know that I am not one to think that as long as people are saying great things about the program then all is grand. You are completely entitled to your" opinion, I think perhaps it is your phrasing and tone that makes it a little difficult for me to get to the heart of what you are saying. Let's just call it now and agree to communicate our opinions differently, and not make this a "thing" no need for any hostility or all CAPS discussion lol
|
|
|
Post by ay2013 on Sept 24, 2014 2:08:34 GMT -5
Well, of course how I see it i just my OPINION, just like you have yours. Frankly, I couldn't do what they are doing, but if nobody could comment on someone's play unless they could equal or exceed that play, then we wouldn't have forums like volleytalk. I actually find it widely comical, and wholly hypocritical that you even ask what "qualifies me to judge how well or terribly players are doing". What qualifies anyone from doing so? you? mikegarrison? tomclen? redbeard? etc...this deserves a big eye roll. If I were gushing about Vansant's play you'd be completely SILENT, yet, would this not still apply? that is my issue with some of you here on volleytalk. It's all fun and games as long as someone is always harping on and agreeing about things you support, but the minute someone takes a differing, critical view, you get defensive and start slinging comments that could just as easily apply to yourself! Block looking good today, love Finau's hustle and the way she moves the ball around. Jones and Schwan looking solid as well! Beals serving is deceptively tricky to pass!
I thought Nelson was lacking most of the match but I also thought the setters should have gone to Jones more.
Floor defense was sketchy but I wouldn't attribute it all to Strickland. If they made some better setting choice that set would have ended differently in my opinion.these are all comments made by you just in the last few UW matches...."what exactly qualifies you to judge how well or terribly players are doing"...see how largely applicable and frankly stupid your comment is? it could, quite literally, apply to 85% of all comments made here on volleytalk, by everyone that posts. I never asked anyone to accept my opinion as fact, it's how I see it, and I stand by it. I've been supportive of Strickland. It's not like she's new to the program....I've seen her play for years, and have praised her for exceeding expectations...check my posting history. Just because she's not exceeding my (and not I said MY) expectations now, doesn't mean I've always "cut her down". I did not post this article, but I'll be damned if I can't post an alternative viewpoint simply because you don't want to see criticism of Strickland. Also, just because articles are written about her and the coaching staff gave her the L jersey, doesn't mean I have to fall in lock step with the narrative. I can make conclusions for myself, thank you very much. And btw, I never said she should give up being a libero, NEVER SAID IT... what I said is that her play, right now, is not where we need it to be. Are my opinions always accurate? no (but nobodies are, including you)...are they fully informed?....What exactly does that mean? my opinions are based on what I see and have seen...I've been an avid follower and supporter of husky volleyball for years. A vocal leader for Washington volleyball here on volleytalk for almost a decade. Anyone that questions my purple and gold loyalty is sadly mistaken. There isn't a program I want to see do well more than Washington, that isn't even up for debate. But that doesn't mean I have to positively biased toward the program and its players. That's irrational. As mikegarrison said, disagree with what I've said or ignore me, but don't tell me what to post. It's not conducive to an interesting discussion, as mike said, and, more importantly, I'm not going to listen anyway! Maybe my "negative" posts will challenge her to reach that elite libero level faster...she like a challenge after all. But, just be warned, if a year and a half from now in an article after she makes 1st team AA as a libero and credits the rants of volleytalkers as her catalyst for backcourt greatness, I WILL be saying I told you so Yep I'm sure she is reading this and it will be the motivating factor to any future success she may have.... please note that I said perhaps I was a but over zealous with my response. But also know that I am not one to think that as long as people are saying great things about the program then all is grand. You are completely entitled to your" opinion, I think perhaps it is your phrasing and tone that makes it a little difficult for me to get to the heart of what you are saying. Let's just call it now and agree to communicate our opinions differently, and not make this a "thing" no need for any hostility or all CAPS discussion lol I'd never want to alienate any of the husky faithful here on volleytalk.
|
|
|
Post by zenyada on Sept 24, 2014 4:30:35 GMT -5
As an impartial observer: CS is a lot of fun to watch. You can see her desire oozing out of her. She has so much energy and fire, it's no wonder she elevates everyone elses level of play. She is playing a new position, so there is obviously and adjustment period. But I don't believe she is a liability; and as the weeks go by, I'm sure she is only going to get better as she gets more comfortable at libero. DIGS (Minimum 1.00 per set) Player Team Cl S No. Avg/S ------------------------------------------------------- 1. Gilbert, Kyle....... STAN SR 36 156 4.33 2. Sommer, Kate........ WSU JR 42 169 4.02 3. Reeder, Darby....... OSU JR 41 163 3.98 4. Snuka, Penina....... ARIZ SO 35 139 3.97 5. Whittingham, Taylor. USC SO 32 125 3.91 6. Lewis, Ronni........ ARIZ SR 38 148 3.89 7. Formico, Taylor..... UCLA SO 34 131 3.85 8. Maddy Kerr.......... CAL SO 40 149 3.72 9. Benson, Amanda...... ORE SO 35 129 3.69 10. Harker, Halle....... ASU FR 43 158 3.67 Strickland 120/3.33; Serving A-9, E-31. The fear of being aced is lost when you know there's three times the likelihood the next one is going long. And there's no bigger momentum killer than a missed serve. So without hitting, if one were to concede that the influence of +serving pressure is offset by below average ball handling (passing and dig accuracy), an argument could be made that she's a weakness if not a liability. So now the conversation is moved to a measure of "desire". When you talk about desire, I immediately want to ask who she's elevating? Vansant, Wade, Nelson, Tanner, Scambray? I don't see any lack of desire or competitiveness in any of the other ladies. Nice that JM has her back here, but I think the more interesting comment comes from Strickland, and how she describes the need for the libero to be "calming". I view her as an emotional, aggressive hitter/banger personality, and not a calming type, and took her comment as an acknowledgement of the challenge she faces evolving in this role. One way for her to quickly demonstrate the control needed to instill a calmness is to stop serving the ball out. Not all opera singers can sing pop, I'm hopeful and skeptical. But I think her reinventing will be one of the more interesting side stories as the conference plays out.
|
|
|
Post by vbman100 on Sept 24, 2014 7:29:20 GMT -5
AY2013, and others, the thing is, it doesn't have to be opinion to make you believe the way you believe. If you would take stats, what is her passing avg this year? PP %? Aced % ? What was it Freshmen year? How about the first half and second half of last season? What about serving average?
This is where fans (and unfortunately sometimes, coaches) get caught up in what they think is happening as opposed to what is actually happening. I remember someone making a comment a couple months ago about how UW having their defender play so far up in middle back (middle-middle) in the match against Penn State last year hurt them defensively. They actually were able to get more balls against PSU than if they were playing deeper. But our eyes can trick us sometimes, or we believe what we want to believe. It's the Moneyball concept.
|
|
|
Post by tomclen on Oct 30, 2014 5:19:07 GMT -5
Was the USC match the break-thru night for Strickland as libero?
Her serve-receive, especially of Bricio, was almost perfect. Not only did she have an amazing 25 digs in a 3-set match, but many of her defensive plays were highlight-reel material.
If she improves as much between now and the tournament as she has in the first half of the season, she will be every teams' worst nightmare.
Plus, that serve!
|
|
|
Post by volleyfuntimes on Oct 30, 2014 5:41:16 GMT -5
Was the USC match the break-thru night for Strickland as libero? Her serve-receive, especially of Bricio, was almost perfect. Not only did she have an amazing 25 digs in a 3-set match, but many of her defensive plays were highlight-reel material. If she improves as much between now and the tournament as she has in the first half of the season, she will be every teams' worst nightmare. Plus, that serve! I loved that one handed dig where she was airborn in position one!
|
|
|
Post by alwayslearning on Oct 30, 2014 11:58:40 GMT -5
Was the USC match the break-thru night for Strickland as libero? Her serve-receive, especially of Bricio, was almost perfect. Not only did she have an amazing 25 digs in a 3-set match, but many of her defensive plays were highlight-reel material. If she improves as much between now and the tournament as she has in the first half of the season, she will be every teams' worst nightmare. Plus, that serve! Cassie was the MVP last night, saving UW's butt on numerous occasions. When ay gives Cassie and A- and praises her multiple times during the game thread, you know she's playing really well (couldn't resist that). Was it a breakthrough night? I don't know, but I do know she has steadily improved over the course of the season and there's still room for improvement. At the beginning of the season, UW's backrow defense was possibly the weakest aspect of their game. I don't think you can say that now, although TEAM defense as a whole can still improve considerably -- we are not up to Wisconsin standards, for example. And setting remains very inconsistent. But for all the doubts about Cassie earlier in the season, she's burying those doubts with each successive dig.
|
|
|
Post by ay2013 on Oct 30, 2014 12:07:07 GMT -5
I will be the first person to give a standing ovation for Strickland's defensive performance last night. I don't think she passed as well as others are suggesting, but it was still solid overall. Progress, that's all I ask. Also, this performance does not change anything I have said about her previous performances.
|
|
|
Post by ay2013 on Oct 30, 2014 12:10:01 GMT -5
Was the USC match the break-thru night for Strickland as libero? Her serve-receive, especially of Bricio, was almost perfect. Not only did she have an amazing 25 digs in a 3-set match, but many of her defensive plays were highlight-reel material. If she improves as much between now and the tournament as she has in the first half of the season, she will be every teams' worst nightmare. Plus, that serve! Cassie was the MVP last night, saving UW's butt on numerous occasions. When ay gives Cassie and A- and praises her multiple times during the game thread, you know she's playing really well (couldn't resist that). Was it a breakthrough night? I don't know, but I do know she has steadily improved over the course of the season and there's still room for improvement. At the beginning of the season, UW's backrow defense was possibly the weakest aspect of their game. I don't think you can say that now, although TEAM defense as a whole can still improve considerably -- we are not up to Wisconsin standards, for example. And setting remains very inconsistent. But for all the doubts about Cassie earlier in the season, she's burying those doubts with each successive dig. I just hope people see that I don't give my criticism and praise half heartedly. I say what I mean and mean what I say. I will happily praise a player for great play and progress, but that has to come with criticism when they aren't playing at a very high standard. One without the other is not conducive to an objective discussion forum.
|
|
|
Post by tomclen on Oct 30, 2014 12:15:14 GMT -5
I don't think she passed as well as others are suggesting, but it was still solid overall. . She seemed to handle most of Bricio's rocket serves. And she turned most of them into passes that led to decent sets. Not perfect, but who can turn Bricio's serves into perfect passes? Conversely, Strickland's serves seemed to give USC more problems.
|
|
|
Post by alwayslearning on Oct 30, 2014 12:16:33 GMT -5
Cassie was the MVP last night, saving UW's butt on numerous occasions. When ay gives Cassie and A- and praises her multiple times during the game thread, you know she's playing really well (couldn't resist that). Was it a breakthrough night? I don't know, but I do know she has steadily improved over the course of the season and there's still room for improvement. At the beginning of the season, UW's backrow defense was possibly the weakest aspect of their game. I don't think you can say that now, although TEAM defense as a whole can still improve considerably -- we are not up to Wisconsin standards, for example. And setting remains very inconsistent. But for all the doubts about Cassie earlier in the season, she's burying those doubts with each successive dig. I just hope people see that I don't give my criticism and praise half heartedly. I say what I mean and mean what I say. I will happily praise a player for great play and progress, but that has to come with criticism when they aren't playing at a very high standard. One without the other is not conducive to an objective discussion forum. We expect nothing less, ay.
|
|
|
Post by ay2013 on Oct 30, 2014 12:19:17 GMT -5
I don't think she passed as well as others are suggesting, but it was still solid overall. . She seemed to handle most of Bricio's rocket serves. And she turned most of them into passes that led to decent sets. Not perfect, but who can turn Bricio's serves into perfect passes? Conversely, Strickland's serves seemed to give USC more problems. Considering what Bricio can do at the service line, Strickland did a great job with her...but Bricio wasn't the only server for USC. Strickland had more than a few shanks from other USC servers. Like I said, solid overall, but she wasn't passing nails which is what kept the overall grade for her at an A-. Still great play overall.
|
|
|
Post by redbeard2008 on Oct 30, 2014 13:36:25 GMT -5
I just love watching her play. She's not perfect, and never will be, but she is improving, match by match. In a sport where you often see girls laughing or smiling, while losing, you'll never see that from Cassie or from anyone on her team. She'll leave blood on the court, rather than fail willingly.
Yes, there is still a lot of room for improvement, for Cassie and UW. But, while they've been pushed to a fifth set five times, they've only lost three sets in their last seven matches, and only one set in their last five matches.
Yes, nothing says UW can't be beat - any team can. UCLA is going to be a big challenge - Lowe wore down against UW, but Sealy is now giving her rest breaks. When was the last time UW beat both L.A. schools in L.A. two years running? I suspect never...
|
|