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Post by mikegarrison on Nov 27, 2014 2:26:15 GMT -5
You know what caught my attention tonight? Even with the huge crowd, I heard Cassie Strickland yelling FROM THE SIDELINE (when she was out because Mel was serving), "Setter up! Setter up!"
She clearly has embraced her role as the leader of the defense -- even in the rotation when she can't be on the floor.
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mrkite
Freshman
Go Huskies!
Posts: 57
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Post by mrkite on Nov 27, 2014 2:32:44 GMT -5
pac12 wash re-broadcasting match now.
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Post by playingwithfire on Nov 27, 2014 2:36:25 GMT -5
You know what caught my attention tonight? Even with the huge crowd, I heard Cassie Strickland yelling FROM THE SIDELINE (when she was out because Mel was serving), "Setter up! Setter up!" She clearly has embraced her role as the leader of the defense -- even in the rotation when she can't be on the floor. Love, love, LOVE that girl! Her fire and spirit are such a huge part of the Huskies team. She's got such heart and it shows in her playing. Huskies fans are really fortunate to get to see such a rare individual and outstanding athlete play in person. Jaw-dropping dives that leave you breathless...60 mph serves whizzing by leaving the opponents' passers shaking in their boots. 'Nuff said. ;-)
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Post by Cruz'n on Nov 27, 2014 2:47:44 GMT -5
First of all, what a pleasure it was, being able to see two such outstanding teams battle it out, in person, in Alaska Arena tonight! Talk about ELECTRIC!!! The new attendance record set shows that Husky fans really understood and appreciated just how rare and special such an opportunity it is, to witness two of the top women's volleyball teams in the nation compete against each other right in their own backyard. Cardvbfan, I don't post much here, but do read the posts often, and I wanted to give you a shout out as I really enjoy reading your balanced, insightful posts about your team. You are a wonderfully devoted fan, and your love and admiration for the Cardinal is obvious and so great to see. It is always nice to be able to see a supportive fan be positive, and offer intelligent, constructive critique without having to drag other teams or players down. Positivity is the name of game. :-) And of course your fun humor, such as your playfully teasing posters like TomClen is appreciated too. TomClen's dry, understated humor cracks me up quite a bit too. A nice reminder to not take this forum or ourselves too seriously. It's just a game, after all. Right? ;-) The Cardinal had some great, friendly, loyal fans at Alaska Arena tonight, and I had fun speaking with them throughout the evening. :-) I really enjoy watching the Cardinal ladies play and admire the entire organization, their values of excellence, and their amazing coach John Dunning very much. Congratulations on such an outstanding season to all! As a Husky fan, I must say I am so proud of our Dawgs and their amazing coaching staff, as they really rose to the occasion for their best game of the season tonight. A big part of that was the leadership and energy of seniors Miss Krista and Miss Kaleigh. By the determined, focused looks on their faces and the electric energy in their body language, it was obvious they KNEW they wanted this win without a doubt, on Senior Night, and they willed it into happening with every ounce of their being, rallying the entire team behind them with their energy, leadership and determination. What a way to end their last home game as seniors! Congrats, Ladies! :-) How did I vote? I voted in this thread's poll for the Huskies in 4. Here's a link to my initial analysis (from earlier in November) which explains why I voted as I did as the "BEST TEAM RIGHT NOW" in the following thread post: volleytalk.net/thread/56146/best-team-right?page=2(If I find some free time, and just for fun, I may update the teams' stats in that thread after this Friday's final season games of both teams...) ;-) But to sum up my analysis of the two teams in one sentence: the Huskies' better serve-receive and tougher serving created just the right pressure in tonight's match up to help the Huskies defeat the heretofore undefeated Cardinal. At the risk of stating the obvious (for the more veteran forum members here, at least): As other's have said, how well teams will play is, in large part, about the match-ups between the teams, how each teams' strengths and weaknesses match up to the other's. Since before tonight's match up, we had not had the advantage of seeing these two teams play each other this season, fans of both teams, as well as the coaches and players, were obviously greatly curious to see how it would play out tonight, so to speak. Tonight's results have gone a long way towards helping answer that question, at least for the two teams who showed up tonight. And now the question becomes: What would the results be in a potential rematch, come tournament time? Devoted fans and curious minds alike want to know...and simply cannot wait for another chance to witness such outstanding high-level volleyball played by these amazing young women. Congrats again to all, Cardinal and Huskies alike, on yet another amazing season! And Happy Thanksgiving to all! PlayingWithFire, thanks so much! Your kind words really touched me. It made my night, for sure. I'm glad you can see that I love the Cardinal. Sometimes people get the wrong idea when I critique, get frustrated with someone's play, etc. Despite how poorly someone might play, I still love them (usually, hehehe). You reminded me: I didn't say anything about senior night. That always adds a bit of magic, and ALWAYS brings tears to my eyes. Senior night at Stanford, I have NEVER been able to keep dry eyes. This year I was at least able to hide my tears from the friends and family I was sitting with. Anyway, tonight, the telecast started after the senior night ceremonies, but they did show snippets of it later in the match. And... again I got teary-eyed. When it showed Krista sitting next to Kaleigh, putting her hand on Kaleigh's leg, and they glanced at each other... you could feel the thoughts they shared, all the history, the journey, special moments; so powerful. Then Kaleigh dabbed at the tears in her eyes. College sports can be a very special time in one's life, an amazing experience. Above all, the camaraderie the women develop over the four years, especially in women's volleyball (but also in other sports), and especially at the top programs, is very special. (too many specials there, getting sleepy...) Where was I? I'm just really happy for these ladies, seeing on their faces how meaningful their college athletic experiences were to them.
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Post by mikegarrison on Nov 27, 2014 3:02:01 GMT -5
pac12 wash re-broadcasting match now. Thanks! I have been watching it since you posted this. They just finished the second set and the announcer had the same thought I did about the last play from Nelson being a "senior" play. The ball was set outside and the block was there and it was a total trap set, but Nelson swiped the ball out of bounds off the block instead of trying to hit it through the block or tipping it. Point and set.
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Post by playingwithfire on Nov 27, 2014 3:06:54 GMT -5
PlayingWithFire, thanks so much! Your kind words really touched me. It made my night, for sure. I'm glad you can see that I love the Cardinal. Sometimes people get the wrong idea when I critique, get frustrated with someone's play, etc. Despite how poorly someone might play, I still love them (usually, hehehe). You reminded me: I didn't say anything about senior night. That always adds a bit of magic, and ALWAYS brings tears to my eyes. Senior night at Stanford, I have NEVER been able to keep dry eyes. This year I was at least able to hide my tears from the friends and family I was sitting with. Anyway, tonight, the telecast started after the senior night ceremonies, but they did show snippets of it later in the match. And... again I got teary-eyed. When it showed Krista sitting next to Kaleigh, putting her hand on Kaleigh's leg, and they glanced at each other... you could feel the thoughts they shared, all the history, the journey, special moments; so powerful. Then Kaleigh dabbed at the tears in her eyes. College sports can be a very special time in one's life, an amazing experience. Above all, the camaraderie the women develop over the four years, especially in women's volleyball (but also in other sports), and especially at the top programs, is very special. (too many specials there, getting sleepy...) Where was I? I'm just really happy for these ladies, seeing on their faces how meaningful their college athletic experiences were to them. Awww, we sound a lot alike (I can't help tearing up either.). :-) You should be proud of your ability to feel so deeply, empathizing with others. Never be afraid to show it. That is what makes us human! I was a college athlete (in another sport), so I know just how much Senior Night must mean to the girls. I love that schools get a chance to publicly honor all of the hard work and effort, literally blood, sweat and tears, that college athletes have put into their college years. A wonderful tribute, which lucky fans get to share with them. Yes, last night's game was a very, very special night in many ways. Speaking of sleepy...yawn! Signing off. Good night and wishing you a yummy Thanksgiving, surrounded by loving family and friends.
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Post by volleyfan24 on Nov 27, 2014 3:19:21 GMT -5
Someone said Cassie Strickland has potential to be the best libero in the country next year. Lets not get ahead of ourselves now she is not that good. This was a career performance for her though. Where are all the UW fans who were upset at the beginning of the season complaining about her? Definitely she embraced the role this season and this game shows she can play the position which many doubters weren't convinced of in the early season. It was cardvbfan who said "Strickland has more potential, more raw talent; she could be the best in the country next year. She just needs to be consistent." Given how fast Cassie has learned this position, this is a pretty reasonable statement. Strickland is a better athlete than the vast majority of liberos out there and she still has considerable room to continue to grow into the position. Volleyfan24 says this was a "career performance" but overlooks the fact that she has been playing at this level for a month or so now. Most UW fans were not "upset" and most were not "complaining" about Strickland's play earlier in the season. If you go back and read the comments, most of us were saying be patient, she's learning a new position, she's got great potential, etc. We were right. I haven't been ignoring her performances I know she was the first PAC libero to win DPOW this season and has made great strides at the position don't make assumptions. She has been impressive and showed a great effort tonight, but to say best in the country next year means she would have to surpass several others that are already ahead of her she is a hard worker but I have a hard time she will beat out the likes of Amanda Benson, Justine Wong-Orantes, Brandi Donnely, Taylor Morey, and Cat McCoy. I think the libero is the most underrated position in Women's college volleyball but to suggest that with just a season under her belt and coming back next year that she can be the best in the country isn't giving enough credit to others who are better from what I have seen. Only time will tell but I wouldn't bet on it.
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Post by bucky415 on Nov 27, 2014 3:25:07 GMT -5
I didn't see anything but the score, but what I will take away is that Stanford is not better off having lost (always felt that was a dumb cliche) and that I really believe Washington is the team I don't want Wisconsin playing until at least the Final Four, because I think them at home is a tougher draw than anyone else at a neutral site.
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Post by mikegarrison on Nov 27, 2014 3:30:05 GMT -5
I think [Washington] at home is a tougher draw than anyone else at a neutral site. Pablo thinks so too -- even before the Stanford win.
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Post by Sbilo on Nov 27, 2014 3:40:09 GMT -5
That Seattle regional will be a death sentence whoever gets to be sent there. Washington is extremely lucky to be playing in their own regional with a senior Vansant and Nelson. Definitely a sure trip to the National Semis.
I'm looking at UW as the 4th seed (behind Stanford, Texas and Wisconsin)...with PSU possibly as the 5th. That will really be very interesting.
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Post by tomclen on Nov 27, 2014 3:51:32 GMT -5
That Seattle regional will be a death sentence whoever gets to be sent there. Washington is extremely lucky to be playing in their own regional with a senior Vansant and Nelson. Definitely a sure trip to the National Semis. I'm looking at UW as the 4th seed (behind Stanford, Texas and Wisconsin)...with PSU possibly as the 5th. That will really be very interesting. As long as the Washington-hosting-Stanford HUSKY team shows up for the regional, I don't think they can lose. But if the Washington-visiting-Colorado HUSKY team shows up they CAN lose. Some good UW teams have lost tournament matches in Hec Ed: to BYU (in round 2); to Nebraska after being up 2-0 and big 5th set lead; and to Cal in their NC year.
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Post by redbeard2008 on Nov 27, 2014 3:59:41 GMT -5
I'm thinking: #1 Stanford, #2 Texas, #3 Washington, #4 Wisconsin...
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Post by tomclen on Nov 27, 2014 4:00:50 GMT -5
This picture from The UW Daily:And from the story by Joe VeyeraAnd this recap of how tight the 4th set was until 11-10 Stanford... Full Story HERE
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Post by mikegarrison on Nov 27, 2014 4:02:06 GMT -5
That Seattle regional will be a death sentence whoever gets to be sent there. Washington is extremely lucky to be playing in their own regional with a senior Vansant and Nelson. Definitely a sure trip to the National Semis. I'm looking at UW as the 4th seed (behind Stanford, Texas and Wisconsin)...with PSU possibly as the 5th. That will really be very interesting. As long as the Washington-hosting-Stanford HUSKY team shows up for the regional, I don't think they can lose. But if the Washington-visiting-Colorado HUSKY team shows up they CAN lose. Some good UW teams have lost tournament matches in Hec Ed: to BYU (in round 2); to Nebraska after being up 2-0 and big 5th set lead; and to Cal in their NC year. The BYU loss was an upset, but the Cal loss was certainly not (it was the third win by Cal over UW that year). But the killer was that Nebraska loss. No matter how much I want to, I don't think I will forget that serving run by Banwarth. 9-3 the Huskies were up! And then nine serves later, the Huskers were up 12-9.
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Post by volleyfan24 on Nov 27, 2014 4:04:32 GMT -5
Washington played its best match I have seen from them this season. This one and the match at UCLA they simply played other worldly. The question now is can they play that well throughout the tournament. If they can they will win the NC. I saw Ajanaku being the most vocal and step up as a team leader I am glad she is embracing that role. She looked at her team with urgency and no fear of the moment she also has grown as a player instead of pounding her ball into the block she made the smart play with tips and shots over the block a few times where she recognized the defense was playing deep on her. For me Bugg needs to better recognize other teams when she saw they were isolating on Ajanaku she needed to run better slides and shoot to the pin where it was one on one for hitters.
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