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Post by Dr. Vball on Nov 20, 2015 15:52:40 GMT -5
It's really frustrating how this team can't seem to get a win against a top 15 team. We have no problem beating the teams we're supposed to beat. In fact, we're doing better at that than in recent years. But we can never seem to put away top 15 opponents even though the matches are usually close. That needs to change if we're gonna do anything in the NCAA tournament. This team just simply doesn't have a killer instinct. The team that went to the Finals a few years ago had players who flat out knew how to take over a match when need be and to not give teams breathing room. After we destroyed Wisconsin in the second set, we should've maintained that same level of play, but we didn't. Granted, the break didn't help and Wisconsin certainly played better, but we've had this problem all year long. We are a talented team but I just don't see us advancing past the Sweet 16. At this point in the season, you need those players that will fight and claw there way to a win, by any means necessary. I am not sure we have that player. I think it is premature to write off this team from going beyond the Sweet 16 -- the "killer instinct" talk is not helpful. That match against Wisconsin was an amazing battle and I would be willing to bet that Illinois would win in a rematch. Pity the foe that underestimates a team that has yet to breakthrough.
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Post by alt on Nov 20, 2015 18:51:59 GMT -5
Looks like Maddie Myer will be graduating this year and will not use her redshirt senior year. She may not be playing much, but we need a back up middle. Does this mean we have an extra scholarship?
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Post by toomuchvb on Nov 20, 2015 19:10:53 GMT -5
This team just simply doesn't have a killer instinct. The team that went to the Finals a few years ago had players who flat out knew how to take over a match when need be and to not give teams breathing room. After we destroyed Wisconsin in the second set, we should've maintained that same level of play, but we didn't. Granted, the break didn't help and Wisconsin certainly played better, but we've had this problem all year long. We are a talented team but I just don't see us advancing past the Sweet 16. At this point in the season, you need those players that will fight and claw there way to a win, by any means necessary. I am not sure we have that player. I think it is premature to write off this team from going beyond the Sweet 16 -- the "killer instinct" talk is not helpful. That match against Wisconsin was an amazing battle and I would be willing to bet that Illinois would win in a rematch. Pity the foe that underestimates a team that has yet to breakthrough. Sounds like PSU. Carry on.
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Post by Pasquale on Nov 20, 2015 21:39:50 GMT -5
Illinois is starting a senior and three juniors, so I'm not sure why some people have referred to them as a young team. Yes, they are starting two freshman, but they have other upperclassman to play if the freshman are not performing. The 2011 team went to the national championship match with two freshman.
I agree the team has the talent to go deep in the tournament and I support them unconditionally, but I don't buy youth as an excuse for their struggles to pull together wins.
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Post by alt on Nov 20, 2015 22:23:12 GMT -5
Illinois is starting a senior and three juniors, so I'm not sure why some people have referred to them as a young team. Yes, they are starting two freshman, but they have other upperclassman to play if the freshman are not performing. The 2011 team went to the national championship match with two freshman. I agree the team has the talent to go deep in the tournament and I support them unconditionally, but I don't buy youth as an excuse for their struggles to pull together wins. You got an OH that has not played on a regular bases until this season, you get a transfer RS, freshman middle and setter. Sure some of these players are juniors, but they havent been playing much until this season. And having all these new pieces and then adding a new freshman setter that has been on campus for less than 4 months can be hard for a team.
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Post by Pasquale on Nov 20, 2015 23:20:53 GMT -5
Wisconsin starts a freshman, two sophomores and a junior transfer RS. Ohio State is starting two freshman. Penn State is starting a redshirt freshman setter and three sophomores. Purdue is starting three sophomores. All four teams have beaten Illinois this season and are ahead of them in the Big 10 standings.
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Post by 2muchbs on Nov 20, 2015 23:33:30 GMT -5
Freshman setter that has not connected with the OHs. The sets to them are generally too close to the net and low, same goes for the RS You have two that elevate and need the ball higher and one with long limbs that requires a set farther back and higher for a full swing. Or she just prefers to set middle and we don't have a middle that can carry us. Hes preparing for next year where he can run his new system. Looks like Mayers is forfeiting her 5th year,which would free up a scholarship. Interesting. Im fairly certain it has nothing to do with age although a freshman setter that came late and didn't have time to connect could very well be the struggle. They will probably be really good next year, Again I sound like a cubs fan.
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Post by cathy4 on Nov 21, 2015 20:40:24 GMT -5
oh my.
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Post by rogero1 on Nov 21, 2015 21:28:03 GMT -5
5 BIG matches, next 3 at home. Currently 17-9, the Illini will finish the regular season with 20+ wins. Historically, BIG matches week of Thanksgiving are a toss-up. Rutgers 11.14.15 7 PM CT CHAMPAIGN, ILL. HUFF Wisconsin 11.18.15 8 PM CT CHAMPAIGN, ILL. HUFF <- did I read this is next Wednesday's BTN match? Indiana 11.21.15 7 PM CT CHAMPAIGN, ILL. HUFF Nebraska 11.25.15 7 PM CT LINCOLN, NEB. Michigan 11.27.15 5 PM CT ANN ARBOR, MICH. Illinois will be hard pressed to finish with 20 wins after Michigan's win at Happy Valley. Michigan is not an automatic win,
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Post by laxlga on Nov 22, 2015 2:19:05 GMT -5
I only saw the box score. We're they running a 6-2 or a 5-2 tonight? Or just changing setters?
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Post by notpriddy (COIF) on Nov 22, 2015 7:53:27 GMT -5
I only saw the box score. We're they running a 6-2 or a 5-2 tonight? Or just changing setters? It was senior night, and all 6 seniors started the match. Thus senior setter Viliunas started the match. Coach Hambly also inserted Viliunas at the end of the 3 set win so she could set the final points in the victory.
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Post by VB Watcher on Nov 22, 2015 9:06:58 GMT -5
Freshman setter that has not connected with the OHs. The sets to them are generally too close to the net and low, same goes for the RS You have two that elevate and need the ball higher and one with long limbs that requires a set farther back and higher for a full swing. Or she just prefers to set middle and we don't have a middle that can carry us. Hes preparing for next year where he can run his new system. Looks like Mayers is forfeiting her 5th year,which would free up a scholarship. Interesting. Im fairly certain it has nothing to do with age although a freshman setter that came late and didn't have time to connect could very well be the struggle. They will probably be really good next year, Again I sound like a cubs fan.
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Post by VB Watcher on Nov 22, 2015 9:11:01 GMT -5
I was at the game last night and it didn't look like the connection with the senior setter and the OHs was any better. Maybe it's the OH's, you think? Blocking was better, but we didn't play a very strong attacking team. I think we scored more points off Indiana's error then our own scoring. Naya is turning into a real B1G player.
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Post by 2muchbs on Nov 22, 2015 10:35:53 GMT -5
I was at the game last night and it didn't look like the connection with the senior setter and the OHs was any better. Maybe it's the OH's, you think? Blocking was better, but we didn't play a very strong attacking team. I think we scored more points off Indiana's error then our own scoring. Naya is turning into a real B1G player. I'm not sure . I would say one of them has proven herself with different setters and the other one it's her first season playing consistently so it's difficult to tell.
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Post by notpriddy (COIF) on Nov 22, 2015 13:21:26 GMT -5
I was at the game last night and it didn't look like the connection with the senior setter and the OHs was any better. Maybe it's the OH's, you think? Blocking was better, but we didn't play a very strong attacking team. I think we scored more points off Indiana's error then our own scoring. Naya is turning into a real B1G player. Naya is the bomb...she's sick...whatever the cool adjectives are to use. She's a lot of fun to watch!
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