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Post by dorothymantooth on Nov 24, 2014 16:56:26 GMT -5
what percentage of things discussed aren't "silly" or "stupid" I have just had my fill of ridiculous, frustrating, baseless speculation about stuff today. (Work, not Volleytalk, but my frustration spilled over.) haha! Cocktails cure all!
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Post by dorothymantooth on Nov 24, 2014 16:59:00 GMT -5
While PSU could be the #7 seed, its unimaginable they would, and wouldn't be screwing PSU, but rather the #2 seed. Ordinarily I would really be looking fwd to the heavyweight battle between UW/Stanford, but there just really isn't much, if anything at stake. I guess Stanford would like to be undefeated, but in the end that doesn't matter much. The coaches and players are competitors and rivals so I'm sure they feel a lot different about it than I do. Its funny and how the rpi and rankings have been shaped by FSU and their two wins vs Nebraska and Florida, who are way better than they were at that point. Forget about FSU's late losses, look how many wins the eeked out in 5. I don't see Carolina, FSU hanging with the big boys in two weeks. Me either which is why it would be a crying shame if we get a 4/5 matchup of FSU/North Carolina like we did with Missouri and Florida. very possible! I see PSU 4-6. For PSU not getting Wisconsin at home cost them a share of title, and also would hurt their rpi and wins vs top teams.
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Post by ay2013 on Nov 24, 2014 17:16:16 GMT -5
Me either which is why it would be a crying shame if we get a 4/5 matchup of FSU/North Carolina like we did with Missouri and Florida. very possible! I see PSU 4-6. For PSU not getting Wisconsin at home cost them a share of title, and also would hurt their rpi and wins vs top teams. I know it's very possible, and that is what is disturbing.
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Post by alwayslearning on Nov 24, 2014 20:50:09 GMT -5
I'm not usually one to complain or chastise people, but I'm gonna do it: this thread is disappointing. For one of the most anticipated matches of the year, where are the coaches, strategists, and lovers of volleyball who will generate discussion about the keys to the game? All this talk about seeds and who might play Penn St. or not is kind of boring. I guess you might chalk it up to the male-dominated nature of this forum and the fascination with rankings, seeds, and the puzzles of the NCAA selection committee.
Here are two questions to stimulate discussion:
1) What is the single biggest factor that will influence the outcome of the match? Some possibilities (come up with your own):
- UW's serving vs. Stanford's serve receive
- Stanford's dynamic hitting duo of Ajanaku and Lutz vs. UW's dynamic blocking duo of Sybeldon and Wade
- Stanford's team defense and transition D vs. UW's big hitters
- Madi Bugg's performance
- whether Stanford can hold Vansant to under .200, as both Colorado and Utah did
- the team that wins the first set (don't come back with: "the team that wins the last set")
- UW's home court advantage
- team chemistry in tight sets or a close match
2) Who is on your composite dream team from both Stanford and UW? For me, the choices are pretty clear:
Bugg at setter running a 5-1. No brainer. Vansant as a six-rotation OH1. Another no brainer. Burgess as the OH2 (also six-rotation). Ajanaku and Sybeldon in the middle. This is taking nothing away from Lutz and Wade, both of whom are critical to their team's success. Some Cardinal fans will probably argue Lutz over Sybeldon, but Sybeldon is a better blocker and if you put Sybeldon on a team with a better connection between the setter and middles and a team that passes more consistently than the Huskies, you would see Sybeldon's offensive numbers soar to Inky-like heights. Nelson at Opposite. I like Boukather but Nelson has just been killing it since a mid-season lull. She's an excellent blocker as well. Who at libero? I love Strickland but I have to go with the #2 digger in the Pac 12, Kyle Gilbert. Her performance against Arizona was off the charts. Give Strickland another year to grow into the libero role and I believe she will be one of the best in the country. And who would you prefer coaching this dream team? Obviously, there's no wrong choice here and I pick JMac as a Husky fan. Along with Russ Rose, Dunning and JMac have been so good for so long that they stand at the coaching pinnacle for me.
Ok, let's hear some opinions.
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Post by volleyfan24 on Nov 24, 2014 21:03:27 GMT -5
I'm not usually one to complain or chastise people, but I'm gonna do it: this thread is disappointing. For one of the most anticipated matches of the year, where are the coaches, strategists, and lovers of volleyball who will generate discussion about the keys to the game? All this talk about seeds and who might play Penn St. or not is kind of boring. I guess you might chalk it up to the male-dominated nature of this forum and the fascination with rankings, seeds, and the puzzles of the NCAA selection committee. Here are two questions to stimulate discussion: 1) What is the single biggest factor that will influence the outcome of the match? Some possibilities (come up with your own): - UW's serving vs. Stanford's serve receive - Stanford's dynamic hitting duo of Ajanaku and Lutz vs. UW's dynamic blocking duo of Sybeldon and Wade - Stanford's team defense and transition D vs. UW's big hitters - Madi Bugg's performance - whether Stanford can hold Vansant to under .200, as both Colorado and Utah did - the team that wins the first set (don't come back with: "the team that wins the last set") - UW's home court advantage - team chemistry in tight sets or a close match 2) Who is on your composite dream team from both Stanford and UW? For me, the choices are pretty clear: Bugg at setter running a 5-1. No brainer. Vansant as a six-rotation OH1. Another no brainer. Burgess as the OH2 (also six-rotation). Ajanaku and Sybeldon in the middle. This is taking nothing away from Lutz and Wade, both of whom are critical to their team's success. Some Cardinal fans will probably argue Lutz over Sybeldon, but Sybeldon is a better blocker and if you put Sybeldon on a team with a better connection between the setter and middles and a team that passes more consistently than the Huskies, you would see Sybeldon's offensive numbers soar to Inky-like heights. Nelson at Opposite. I like Boukather but Nelson has just been killing it since a mid-season lull. She's an excellent blocker as well. Who at libero? I love Strickland but I have to go with the #2 digger in the Pac 12, Kyle Gilbert. Her performance against Arizona was off the charts. Give Strickland another year to grow into the libero role and I believe she will be one of the best in the country. And who would you prefer coaching this dream team? Obviously, there's no wrong choice here and I pick JMac as a Husky fan. Along with Russ Rose, Dunning and JMac have been so good for so long that they stand at the coaching pinnacle for me. Ok, let's hear some opinions. I love your commentary and analysis but who do you think will win you have agrued for both teams but have yet to make a prediction so go ahead. Tell me your pick Washingon or Stanford and how many sets.
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Post by alwayslearning on Nov 24, 2014 21:12:43 GMT -5
I'm not usually one to complain or chastise people, but I'm gonna do it: this thread is disappointing. For one of the most anticipated matches of the year, where are the coaches, strategists, and lovers of volleyball who will generate discussion about the keys to the game? All this talk about seeds and who might play Penn St. or not is kind of boring. I guess you might chalk it up to the male-dominated nature of this forum and the fascination with rankings, seeds, and the puzzles of the NCAA selection committee. Here are two questions to stimulate discussion: 1) What is the single biggest factor that will influence the outcome of the match? Some possibilities (come up with your own): - UW's serving vs. Stanford's serve receive - Stanford's dynamic hitting duo of Ajanaku and Lutz vs. UW's dynamic blocking duo of Sybeldon and Wade - Stanford's team defense and transition D vs. UW's big hitters - Madi Bugg's performance - whether Stanford can hold Vansant to under .200, as both Colorado and Utah did - the team that wins the first set (don't come back with: "the team that wins the last set") - UW's home court advantage - team chemistry in tight sets or a close match 2) Who is on your composite dream team from both Stanford and UW? For me, the choices are pretty clear: Bugg at setter running a 5-1. No brainer. Vansant as a six-rotation OH1. Another no brainer. Burgess as the OH2 (also six-rotation). Ajanaku and Sybeldon in the middle. This is taking nothing away from Lutz and Wade, both of whom are critical to their team's success. Some Cardinal fans will probably argue Lutz over Sybeldon, but Sybeldon is a better blocker and if you put Sybeldon on a team with a better connection between the setter and middles and a team that passes more consistently than the Huskies, you would see Sybeldon's offensive numbers soar to Inky-like heights. Nelson at Opposite. I like Boukather but Nelson has just been killing it since a mid-season lull. She's an excellent blocker as well. Who at libero? I love Strickland but I have to go with the #2 digger in the Pac 12, Kyle Gilbert. Her performance against Arizona was off the charts. Give Strickland another year to grow into the libero role and I believe she will be one of the best in the country. And who would you prefer coaching this dream team? Obviously, there's no wrong choice here and I pick JMac as a Husky fan. Along with Russ Rose, Dunning and JMac have been so good for so long that they stand at the coaching pinnacle for me. Ok, let's hear some opinions. I love your commentary and analysis but who do you think will win you have agrued for both teams but have yet to make a prediction so go ahead. Tell me your pick Washingon or Stanford and how many sets. I appreciate the compliment. I kind of snuck in my opinion immediately after my two posts explaining why Stanford would sweep and why UW would sweep. Go back to page 3 of this thread and you'll see that I say this in a separate post: "Objectively, Stanford has to be favored. Subjectively, I’m a Husky fan. Huskies in 4."
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Post by volleyfan24 on Nov 24, 2014 21:38:52 GMT -5
Well that is like playing both sides. Saying ok yes to Stanford but that also Washington could win one or the other. I will pull the trigger and say Stanford in 4. This has all the makings of a great match but I was more convinced of the Huskies before their two losses but as of late they seem out of sorts. Scambray is showing signs of being a Freshmen as this is the longest season she has experienced in her career against the highest level of competition. They also aren't feeding Sybeldon/Wade enough. I have seen very good servers look ineffective against the Cardinal this season (Hancock and Bricio.) I think Stanford is the best team in the country and is my favorite to take the national title because of the balance. Ajanaku and Lutz are going to get theirs cause they are simply too good but after that you have to successfully stop Burgess, Howard and Boukather. The ball distribution is too good and Bugg seems to make the best decisions on the court and her sets have improved on how deceptive they are as compared to last season. Also Stanford's floor defense is the best in the country they have the best libero in Gilbert and then a second player who could be a libero in Burgess. They pick up everything. Lastly the Huskies will more than likely be without Jones, they need that blocking at the pin. Would I be surprised if Washington won absolutely not at home they are tough and Vansant is the best player in the country and she could turn in a career match and put the team on her shoulders a la the regional final last season. If not Stanford in 4 I take them in 5. I think the sets will be very close and tightly contested deuce sets but ultimately I have Cardinal coming out on top.
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Post by redbeard2008 on Nov 24, 2014 21:55:59 GMT -5
UW relies on their serve more to get opponents out of system and set up their block.
Stanford relies on their defense more to blunt opponents' attacks and set up their transition offense.
Who will or will not be successful in either, I dunno. Who'll win, I dunno.
As goes Strickland, so goes UW - if she has a stellar match passing and digging, UW has a good chance of winning.
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Post by mikegarrison on Nov 24, 2014 22:15:56 GMT -5
I think Tia Scambray will be a key factor. Stanford will try to serve her. Will they be successful? Will she be able to pass well? Will she be able to hit for a higher average than she has been in the last few matches?
As usual, the key is serve/pass. Can the UW serve well enough to prevent Bugg from setting the middle? The slide is bad enough, but UW has shown some ability to block that against even good players. But the quick attack from Stanford would be pretty deadly if they can run it.
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Post by tomclen on Nov 24, 2014 23:13:14 GMT -5
I think Tia Scambray will be a key factor. Stanford will try to serve her. Will they be successful? Will she be able to pass well? Will she be able to hit for a higher average than she has been in the last few matches? As usual, the key is serve/pass. Can the UW serve well enough to prevent Bugg from setting the middle? The slide is bad enough, but UW has shown some ability to block that against even good players. But the quick attack from Stanford would be pretty deadly if they can run it. Egads, I'm going to have the State Patrol confiscate your W vanity plates.
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Post by canda on Nov 24, 2014 23:20:30 GMT -5
It would be a lot more fun to comment if we knew we would be able to watch this match. The regional coverage by Pac 12 network robs everyone around the country the chance to see the volleyball match of the year. A repeat will lack the drama.
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Post by Cruz'n on Nov 24, 2014 23:31:54 GMT -5
I love your commentary and analysis but who do you think will win you have agrued for both teams but have yet to make a prediction so go ahead. Tell me your pick Washingon or Stanford and how many sets. I appreciate the compliment. I kind of snuck in my opinion immediately after my two posts explaining why Stanford would sweep and why UW would sweep. Go back to page 3 of this thread and you'll see that I say this in a separate post: "Objectively, Stanford has to be favored. Subjectively, I’m a Husky fan. Huskies in 4." I can't argue with your UW-Stanford dream team. Woman for woman, I would pick the same: Vansant, Burgess, Inky, Sybeldon, Bugg, Nelson, Gilbert. Both coaches are great, so that ones a wash. I don't want to discuss what will happen in the match; that drives me crazy. I am dying to watch the match, and then sometimes like to critique it afterwards. Someone asked you to state your prediction. So, you have picked both Stanford and Washington to win. How very brave of you. All bases covered. I pick Stanford in 5. I'm hoping for an extremely high-quality, thrilling match. Someone mentioned that Scambray and Strickland are keys for Washington; I agree, especially Strickland. And Bugg is key for Stanford. If she is in sync early with Inky, that will be huge. Washington has great middles, and a great block; for me it will be interesting to see if Inky will elevate her game, put out great numbers despite the great team and great middles she is up against.
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Post by chisovnik on Nov 24, 2014 23:54:53 GMT -5
I appreciate the compliment. I kind of snuck in my opinion immediately after my two posts explaining why Stanford would sweep and why UW would sweep. Go back to page 3 of this thread and you'll see that I say this in a separate post: "Objectively, Stanford has to be favored. Subjectively, I’m a Husky fan. Huskies in 4." I can't argue with your UW-Stanford dream team. Woman for woman, I would pick the same: Vansant, Burgess, Inky, Sybeldon, Bugg, Nelson, Gilbert. Both coaches are great, so that ones a wash. I don't want to discuss what will happen in the match; that drives me crazy. I am dying to watch the match, and then sometimes like to critique it afterwards. Someone asked you to state your prediction. So, you have picked both Stanford and Washington to win. How very brave of you. All bases covered. I pick Stanford in 5. I'm hoping for an extremely high-quality, thrilling match. Someone mentioned that Scambray and Strickland are keys for Washington; I agree, especially Strickland. And Bugg is key for Stanford. If she is in sync early with Inky, that will be huge. Washington has great middles, and a great block; for me it will be interesting to see if Inky will elevate her game, put out great numbers despite the great team and great middles she is up against. LOL at picking Sybeldon over Lutz and Nelson over Boukather. Way to be a homer.
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Post by zenyada on Nov 25, 2014 0:20:41 GMT -5
Expecting the match will be decided by the back rows. Vansant and Burgess will both play great, passing and digging, so it'll come down to Strickland-Scambray vs. Gilbert-Howard. Advantage G-H statistically. They're disciplined and will watch as jump serves go long often. It's not just the number of team digs, but the quality of the digs (including Bugg's) that help the transition. Stanford in a tight four.
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Post by alwayslearning on Nov 25, 2014 0:51:57 GMT -5
I appreciate the compliment. I kind of snuck in my opinion immediately after my two posts explaining why Stanford would sweep and why UW would sweep. Go back to page 3 of this thread and you'll see that I say this in a separate post: "Objectively, Stanford has to be favored. Subjectively, I’m a Husky fan. Huskies in 4." I can't argue with your UW-Stanford dream team. Woman for woman, I would pick the same: Vansant, Burgess, Inky, Sybeldon, Bugg, Nelson, Gilbert. Both coaches are great, so that ones a wash. I don't want to discuss what will happen in the match; that drives me crazy. I am dying to watch the match, and then sometimes like to critique it afterwards. Someone asked you to state your prediction. So, you have picked both Stanford and Washington to win. How very brave of you. All bases covered. I pick Stanford in 5. I'm hoping for an extremely high-quality, thrilling match. Someone mentioned that Scambray and Strickland are keys for Washington; I agree, especially Strickland. And Bugg is key for Stanford. If she is in sync early with Inky, that will be huge. Washington has great middles, and a great block; for me it will be interesting to see if Inky will elevate her game, put out great numbers despite the great team and great middles she is up against. There seems to be some confusion regarding my prediction. Let me state it again: Huskies in 4. The two posts about why Stanford and UW would both sweep was simply a rhetorical device to enable analysis and stimulate discussion.
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