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Post by BeachbytheBay on Jul 29, 2017 0:12:38 GMT -5
now, by popular demand, how about Northridge
if anything, Northridge has softened the schedule, so at least they will have a fighting chance in most non-conference matches.
Big Loss: Julie Haake Big Add:none
If any team is gonna surprise, I think Northridge is the main candidate to do so. Although they lose one of their prime OHs in Haake, Northridge returns the rest of a team that finished 7-9 a year ago. With Aeyrn Owens returning, Northridge will have a reliable athletic threat on the outside, and in Katie Sato, one of the better liberos in the league. They'll have an experienced setter in Lauren Conati, and an athletic middle in Melissa Eaglin. Stork had a good mini-run in the Gedryn-Hinger years, and has shown he can develop some solid teams over time that can compete with the upper tier of the Big West. The schedule, which Stork managed to schedule 3 non-conference home games for a change, should give this group a chance to go into conference with some confidence, and 3 or their first 4 conference games are at home against Long Beach, UCSB, & Cal Poly. It's not out of the question they could get out to a fast start. It's hard to see Northridge winning the Big West, but it wouldn't be a shock to see them take down a few teams and challenge for 3rd or 4th.
Stork's comments on the schedule:
"We believe the non-conference portion of the 2017 schedule will prepare us for the challenge of the Big West season," said Stork. "Last year was somewhat of a rebuilding year for us and we feel that with the experienced players coming back and the new players we have coming in that we'll have more success in the non-conference season than we did last season."
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Post by Deleted on Jul 29, 2017 2:10:26 GMT -5
Is it true Ashley Murray won't be playing for LBSU this year?
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Post by beachvball on Jul 29, 2017 8:57:44 GMT -5
Is it true Ashley Murray won't be playing for LBSU this year? As of last week at camp, Murray is coming back for her Senior year. Unless something happen, she will be back at the Beach.
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Post by BeachbytheBay on Jul 29, 2017 9:02:01 GMT -5
Is it true Ashley Murray won't be playing for LBSU this year? if so someone didn't get the memo! Murray is the cover girl for Big West Volleyball
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Post by BeachbytheBay on Jul 29, 2017 9:08:29 GMT -5
the Beach will not be an environmentally friendly group - some tree cutting ia planned
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Post by BeachbytheBay on Jul 29, 2017 9:56:57 GMT -5
Fullerton.
Well, going from a donut to 6 wins was progress.
Big Add: none Big Loss: none
Fullerton returns the bulk of their team from 2016. Shimen Fayad (3.2 kps) is the main headliner for the Titan attack. For coach Ashley Preston (3rd year), the goal is to keep the program on an upward trajectory, so this year will interesting to see if Fullerton can hit the double digit win mark - which would be a major achievement. The non-conference schedule is extremely easy by D1 standards, the toughest match (LMU) is a scrimmage so no one will see. if Preston is making an impact with this group, we should have a good idea by the end of conference. 7th place would seem a reasonable goal for the squad to strive for, but even that won't be easy. INcomming profiles from the Titan coach & and website below - I like Pomegranets and I like crab - guess now I'll have to try them together!!
FULLERTON, Calif.--- The Cal State Fullerton women's volleyball program has signed six student-athletes to National Letters of Intent during the regular signing period, head coach Ashley Preston announced on Tuesday. All six athletes will officially join the Titans beginning with the 2017-18 academic year.
Tyler Fezzey, Alicia Dennis, Savahna Costello, Makenzi Abelman, Jayla Norman and Cady Francis hope to serve as great ambassadors for Fullerton on and off the court, as the Titans look to continue their climb toward the top of the Big West.
"I'm thrilled to have this group of incoming athletes join our program, all of whom are high academic and high volleyball IQ players," said Preston. "Along with their athletic accolades, they serve on mission trips, give their time doing community service and two will be a part of the honors program and business honors program here at Fullerton."
Let's meet the new Titans.
Tyler Fezzey | RS | 6'1" | Riverside, Calif. (John W. North HS)
Tyler Fezzey comes to Cal State Fullerton from John W. North High School in Riverside, California. She was a four-year letterwinner for the Huskies and earned all-league, all-county and scholar athlete honors in in her freshman, sophomore and junior years. She also obtained multiple tournament MVP awards throughout her high school career, including being named team MVP her junior year.
In addition to her on-the-court success, Fezzey was a superstar in the classroom, as she was involved in the prestigious International Baccalaureate program and maintained a 4.6 GPA. She also earned the Hourglass Award which is given out to a student who completes more than 100 hours of community service within a year.
In 2016, Fezzey took part in the European Global Challenge and won the gold medal for Team USA in the U17 division.
From coach Preston "Tyler is an International Baccalaureate Diploma candidate who was admitted into our honors business program here at Cal State Fullerton. She is a 6'1" lefty who is a great defender at the net."
Get to know Tyler Fezzey…. Favorites
Volleyball Player: Destinee Hooker Sports Venue: Staples Center Athlete: Kerri Walsh Musical Artist: Roy Woods, TYuS, Kehlani Website: Amazon Restaurants: Chipotle, Olive Garden, Wing Stop Athletic Team: Kerri Walsh and Misty May Volleyball Venue: Titan Gym Movie: Good Will Hunting Book: Crime and Punishment Actor/Actress: Quincey Brown Food: Chicken wings and blue cheese
Alicia Dennis | OH/DS | 5'9" | Duncan, SC. (James F. Byrnes HS) Alicia Dennis comes to Cal State Fullerton from John W. James F. Byrnes High School in Duncan, South Carolina. She was a three-year letterwinner for the Rebels. Was named to all-region teams in both 2016 and 2015, while she was named her school's best offensive player in both years. She was placed on the USA Volleyball HP National Continental Team in 2016 and USA Volleyball's HP National A2 team in 2015. She was also a member of the 2015 AVCA Phenom List.
Dennis also won off the court, volunteering her time at the Gateway Children's Mental Health Center and various Miracle League games. From coach Preston "Alicia may be small in stature, but she played like she's 6'1". She's a six-rotation player who can play across the net. Her greatest attribute is her desire to learn all she can in volleyball and be impactful for the program." Get to know Alicia Dennis....
Favorites
Volleyball Player: Hailey Washington Sports Venue: Bank of America Stadium Athlete: Steph Curry Musical Artist: Rhianna Website: Netflix Restaurants: O'Charley's Athletic Team: Golden State Warriors Volleyball Venue: Georgia World Congress Center Movie: Pursuit of Happiness Book: Wuthering Heights Actor/Actress: Will Smith Food: Pomegranates and crab legs
Jayla Norman | MB/RS | 6'0" |Amarillo, Texas (Bushland HS) Jayla Norman makes the trek to Cal State Fullerton from Bushland High School in Amarillo, Texas. She was a three-year letterwinner for the Falcons and was named the 1-4A Newcomer of the Year and Amarillo Globe News Newcomer of the Year her freshman year. She earned district 1-4A Offensive Player of the Year honors her sophomore season and made the region 1-4A All-Tournament Team. In her junior season she was an All-State Honorable Mention, a TGCA All-State Selection Team member and led her team to the state finals. Senior year, the Falcons finally broke through and won the state title thanks to her leadership. Norman was named the District 1-4A MVP, Region 1-4A MVP and the 4A state MVP.
She was nearly as impressive off the court, as she was named a seven-time Superintendent Scholor, a TGCA Academic All-State member and AVCA Academic All-American.
Norman was a three-sport stud, claiming two area championships in track and field in the long jump and triple jump events, while she was also named an ESPN Elite Top-30 Recruit for basketball. She was a three-year letterwinner in track and field and a two-year lettewinner in basketball.
From coach Preston "Jayla is a lefty middle who is quick, explosive and has a heavy arm. She led her team to a state championship and is such an athlete, excelling in volleyball, basketball and track & field. Get to know Jayla Norman…
Favorites
Volleyball Player: Micha Hancock Sports Venue: American Airlines Center- Dallas Athlete: Allyson Felix and Steph Curry Musical Artist: Rihanna and Beyonce Restaurants: Olive Garden and Cheddars Athletic Team: Golden State Warriors Volleyball Venue: Curtis Culwell Center Movie: Ride Along Book: A Series of Unfortunate Events Actor/Actress: Taraji P. Henson and Brad Pitt Food: Salad and Salmon
Makenzi Abelman | S | 6'1" | Las Vegas, Nev. (Durango HS)
Makenzi Abelman comes to Cal State Fullerton from Durango High School in Las Vegas, Nevada. She played two years of varsity volleyball, with the first being at Bishop Gorman and the second at Durango. She was named a first team all-conference member her senior year and was a member of the all-state academic team in 2014.
She's made an impact outside the lines as well, volunteering at the eye clinic in the Dominican Republic and doing environmental work in the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador in 2015. From coach Preston "Makenzi by the way of my Alma Mater, Durango High School, was coached by my best friend and BYU setter Amy Schlauder. Kenzie is a 6'1" setter who has had tremendous growth over the last few years, which made her a perfect fit for our program because she will continue to grow. Her combination of leadership and skill will allow her to make an immediate impact."
Get to know Makenzi Abelman… Favorites
Volleyball Player: Courtney Thompson Sports Venue: Athlete: Steph Curry Musical Artist: Anderson Paak, Marc E Bassy, Childish Gambino Movie: 10 Things I Hate About You Book: The Book Thief Food: Greek Food
Savahna Costello | L | 5'6" | Riverside, Calif. (La Sierra HS)
Savahna Costello makes her way to Cal State Fullerton from La Sierra High School from Riverside, California. She was a four-year letterwinner for the Eagles. She earned all-league honors in all four years and was named team MVP in her final three seasons at La Sierra. She also earned her school's outstanding service award.
From coach Preston "Savahna is a solid serve receive passer and defender. She plays with so much heart and understands her role as the leader of the backcourt." Get to know Savahna Costello…
Favorites
Volleyball Player: Matt Anderson Sports Venue: Angel Stadium Athlete: Misty May-Trainer Musical Artist: Beyoncé and Kanye West Restaurants: Buffalo Wild Wings, BJ's Brewhouse, Claim Jumper Athletic Team: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Movie: Fast and Furious Book: A Child Called It Food: Burritos
Cady Francis| L/OH | 5'6" | Oceanside, Calif. (Mira Costa CC) Cady Francis makes the trek to Cal State Fullerton from Mira Costa Community College in Oceanside, California. In her final year at Mira Costa, she was named the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference Athlete of the Year, was named to the all-state team and was a top 12 player in the state. During her freshman year at Mira Costa she was named an all-region honorable mention, while leading her team to the state championship game.
Before attending Mira Costa, Francis was a three-year letterwinner at La Costa Canyon High School. She was a two-time All-Avocado League selection her senior year and was named the league's Player of the Year. Her junior season, she was placed on the all-county second team and was inducted into the San Diego Hall of Champions. In addition, she was named a two-time San Diego All-Academic Team member.
From coach Preston "Cady has an infectious personality. She knows how to be an encouraging leader and has great knowledge of the game. She was the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference Athlete of the Year and a first team all-state member. Her passing rate and digs per set will be valuable to our first contact and defensive game."
Get to know Cady Francis Favorites
Volleyball Player: Natalie Huggland Sports Venue: Beaver Stadium Athlete: Natalie Huggland Musical Artist: Christina Aguilera and G-Eazy Website: Pintrest Restaurants: Souplantation Athletic Team: Los Angeles Chargers Volleyball Venue: Cathedral Catholic HS Movie: Burlesque Book: The Giver Actor/Actress: Will Smith, Nina Dobrev Food: Pasta
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Post by Deleted on Jul 29, 2017 11:22:22 GMT -5
Is it true Ashley Murray won't be playing for LBSU this year? if so someone didn't get the memo! Murray is the cover girl for Big West Volleyball That's good to hear. Heard she was sitting out and transferring, thanks. LBSU is going to be really good this year. Can't wait to follow all the Big West action. Think it is going to be a dogfight.
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Post by beachgrad on Jul 29, 2017 15:37:29 GMT -5
As much as we all would like the top third of the conference to get better the improvement of the bottom third would increase the conference's RPI more rapidly. CSUF's schedule is full of low tier teams so hopefully they can put together a high winning percentage. If they are just .500 against these teams it will not do much good.
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Post by BeachbytheBay on Jul 29, 2017 18:40:46 GMT -5
now for Davis.
Davis went 7-9 a year ago, as Dan Conners enters his 4th year as head coach. 3 starters graduated Aima Eichie (MB), Kendall Walbrecht (OH), & setter Sophie Mar(S), & Conners brings in 6 new frosh to fill the gap. Eichie was one of the better hitters in the league (0.345).
Big Loss: Eichie & Walbrecht Big Add: OH (Mahalla White), MB (Leoni Strehl)
Davis has taken down Hawaii & Cal Poly the last couple of years. Davis will need a lot of help from the incoming class to move up the Big West ladder. The VB program has shown some steady progress, and Conners was rewarded with a 5 year extension. Now comes the hard part, joining the Big West elite, and getting higher quality recruits. Davis, like Northridge, has a lot of winnable pre-conference matches. In particular, they get two of their toughest opponents (Boise & Santa Clara) at home. Plus, they'll end the season with a non-conf match at Colorado State. Davis is one of the few teams in the Big West that runs a 6-2, and will have junior Maddie Merlino returning. Merlino was the better of the two setters, and it'll be interesting to see if Conners sticks with the 6-2 again in 2017.
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Post by SmokeDogg on Jul 29, 2017 20:00:45 GMT -5
An easier read for CSUF's new players:
Former SMU setter Nastassja Bowman has transferred to Cal State Fullerton and will join the Titan volleyball program beginning with the 2017-18 academic year, head coach Ashley Preston announced on Wednesday.
Bowman comes to Fullerton after beginning her collegiate career at Southern Methodist University, where she was a part of a Mustang program that qualified for the NCAA Tournament in back-to-back seasons, including advancing to the second round last year after sweeping in-state rival Texas A&M 3-0
Before SMU, she was a four-year letter winner for coach Diane Heine at Christian Brothers High School in Sacramento, Calif. While there, Bowman collected four all-league selections, was named the San Joaquin Section MVP both her junior and senior years, while also being named to the Sacramento All-City Team in both instances.
Cady Francis| L/OH | 5'6" | Oceanside, Calif. (Mira Costa CC)
Cady Francis makes the trek to Cal State Fullerton from Mira Costa Community College in Oceanside, California. In her final year at Mira Costa, she was named the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference Athlete of the Year, was named to the all-state team and was a top 12 player in the state. During her freshman year at Mira Costa she was named an all-region honorable mention, while leading her team to the state championship game.
Before attending Mira Costa, Francis was a three-year letterwinner at La Costa Canyon High School. She was a two-time All-Avocado League selection her senior year and was named the league's Player of the Year. Her junior season, she was placed on the all-county second team and was inducted into the San Diego Hall of Champions. In addition, she was named a two-time San Diego All-Academic Team member.
Savahna Costello | L | 5'6" | Riverside, Calif. (La Sierra HS)
Savahna Costello makes her way to Cal State Fullerton from La Sierra High School from Riverside, California. She was a four-year letterwinner for the Eagles. She earned all-league honors in all four years and was named team MVP in her final three seasons at La Sierra. She also earned her school's outstanding service award.
Tyler Fezzey | RS | 6'1" | Riverside, Calif. (John W. North HS)
Tyler Fezzey comes to Cal State Fullerton from John W. North High School in Riverside, California. She was a four-year letterwinner for the Huskies and earned all-league, all-county and scholar athlete honors in in her freshman, sophomore and junior years. She also obtained multiple tournament MVP awards throughout her high school career, including being named team MVP her junior year.
In addition to her on-the-court success, Fezzey was a superstar in the classroom, as she was involved in the prestigious International Baccalaureate program and maintained a 4.6 GPA. She also earned the Hourglass Award which is given out to a student who completes more than 100 hours of community service within a year.
In 2016, Fezzey took part in the European Global Challenge and won the gold medal for Team USA in the U17 division.
Alicia Dennis | OH/DS | 5'9" | Duncan, SC. (James F. Byrnes HS)
Alicia Dennis comes to Cal State Fullerton from John W. James F. Byrnes High School in Duncan, South Carolina. She was a three-year letterwinner for the Rebels. Was named to all-region teams in both 2016 and 2015, while she was named her school's best offensive player in both years. She was placed on the USA Volleyball HP National Continental Team in 2016 and USA Volleyball's HP National A2 team in 2015. She was also a member of the 2015 AVCA Phenom List.
Dennis also won off the court, volunteering her time at the Gateway Children's Mental Health Center and various Miracle League games.
Jayla Norman | MB/RS | 6'0" |Amarillo, Texas (Bushland HS)
Jayla Norman makes the trek to Cal State Fullerton from Bushland High School in Amarillo, Texas. She was a three-year letterwinner for the Falcons and was named the 1-4A Newcomer of the Year and Amarillo Globe News Newcomer of the Year her freshman year. She earned district 1-4A Offensive Player of the Year honors her sophomore season and made the region 1-4A All-Tournament Team. In her junior season she was an All-State Honorable Mention, a TGCA All-State Selection Team member and led her team to the state finals. Senior year, the Falcons finally broke through and won the state title thanks to her leadership. Norman was named the District 1-4A MVP, Region 1-4A MVP and the 4A state MVP.
She was nearly as impressive off the court, as she was named a seven-time Superintendent Scholor, a TGCA Academic All-State member and AVCA Academic All-American.
Norman was a three-sport stud, claiming two area championships in track and field in the long jump and triple jump events, while she was also named an ESPN Elite Top-30 Recruit for basketball. She was a three-year letterwinner in track and field and a two-year lettewinner in basketball.
Makenzi Abelman | S | 6'1" | Las Vegas, Nev. (Durango HS)
Makenzi Abelman comes to Cal State Fullerton from Durango High School in Las Vegas, Nevada. She played two years of varsity volleyball, with the first being at Bishop Gorman and the second at Durango. She was named a first team all-conference member her senior year and was a member of the all-state academic team in 2014.
She's made an impact outside the lines as well, volunteering at the eye clinic in the Dominican Republic and doing environmental work in the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador in 2015.
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Post by beachgrad on Jul 29, 2017 20:44:10 GMT -5
Of the new Fullerton recruits Dennis and Bowman look to be the most accomplished. Hopefully this class can push the teams play up a bit.
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Post by BeachbytheBay on Jul 30, 2017 20:17:26 GMT -5
Hawaii.
While Shoji has moved on, the road to the Big West title still goes thru Hawaii. so with an entire thread devoted to the Wahine, and with 100 times more of the excruciating details - here is the view from a distance.
Big Loss. Shoji, Taylor, Mitchem Big Add. Sophia Howling, Shaney Lipscomb (MB/OHs)
ok, so Hawaii loses their big gun and their legendary coach, but it's not like the cupboard is bare. Hawaii brings back a very experienced team, and even more important, they have 3 key pieces in player of the year candidates Emily Maglio (MB) & Norene Iosia (S), plus libero Savanah Kahakai to build the defense and offense around - especially with a setter as talented as Iosia coming back, Hawaii will be at the top of the Big West. The replacement of Shoji with Mow-Santos is about as seamless of a transition one could have imagined. The feeling here is Mow-Santos will give a little edge to the team, the new era will create a new buzz & motivation, and while front-line players McKenna Granato, Casey Castillo may not be the traditional Hawaii'big arm' OHs, with another year of experience and Iosia setting the table the offense will give them ample opportunities to step up and they'll deliver. Add in 3 solid front-line recruits and Hawaii has a lot of upside potential to grow as the season progresses.
As usual, Hawaii has the run of pre-conference tournaments at home. Hawaii will get tested early with UCLA, San Diego, Utah, Baylor, & BYU where they'll probably take a couple of lumps but they also could surprise and come into conference with a top 20 ranking. With a 9 team conference and Hawaii's unique travel schedule, the Hawaii conference schedule is, well, a little weird. Should Hawaii make the NCAAs (and they'll likely have a good idea after their Nov 4 match with Long Beach), they'll play just TWO matches after that until the first week of December - a little bizarre, and part of the reason I think the Big West should consider a post-season 4 or 6 team tourney, just two many gaps year after year for teams with Hawaii the most notable.
I think it's the best possible scenario for Mow-Santos. The expectations are reasonable, a solid class coming in, and the challenge in the background is to see the quality of her first recruiting class.
Hawaii's recruits below:
Howling is a 6-3 middle hitter out of Venice High School in Los Angeles, Calif. where she has recorded over 300 kills in both her sophomore and junior seasons with the Gondoliers. The two-year team captain has earned several accolades during her high school career—including being named to PrepVolleyball's Senior Ace List and their 2017 Juniors List . Howling has been recognized as an AVCA Phenom (2013-16) and was named to both the all-city and all-league first team the past two years. In the classroom, Howling has also been a standout as an all-state Scholar-Athlete Award honoree for 2013, '14, and '15. "Sophia possesses the size and physicality that we look for in players," says Shoji. "She has loads of potential with raw athletic talent and we project her to contribute to the program quickly." Lipscomb is a 6-2 middle/outside hitter from San Diego, Calif. This past fall the six-rotation player was named to several "senior watch lists" including prepvolleyball.com's "Class of 2017 Senior Aces: The 150," and the San Diego Union-Tribune's "Prep Volleyball Players to Watch" list. As a freshman, she helped La Jolla Country Day capture the 2013 Division 5 state championship and as a sophomore she led the Torreys to a state quarterfinals appearance. The past two seasons, she has played for Cathedral Catholic High School in San Diego. "We like Shaney's versatility and her aggressiveness," states Shoji. "She plays at a very high-energy level with a strong, competitive spirit which we liked." Williams is a 6-2 middle hitter from Mayfair High School in Lakewood, Calif. an all-league first team selection, Williams helped lead the Monsoons to the league championship and Most Valuable Player honors last season. She also was named her team's "Most Improved" and "Best Offensive Player" while earning all-tournament recognition for the Molten Classic and was a first-team all-league pick as well. "Skyler has great athletic ability with a lot of room for growth," says Shoji. "She will be an emerging player for us in the coming years." She is coached in club by former Rainbow Wahine Alex Griffiths who played at Hawai'i from 2010-11
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Post by newbeach on Jul 31, 2017 0:14:00 GMT -5
Hawaii. While Shoji has moved on, the road to the Big West title still goes thru Hawaii. so with an entire thread devoted to the Wahine, and with 100 times more of the excruciating details - here is the view from a distance. Big Loss. Shoji, Taylor, Mitchem Big Add. Sophia Howling, Shaney Lipscomb (MB/OHs) ok, so Hawaii loses their big gun and their legendary coach, but it's not like the cupboard is bare. Hawaii brings back a very experienced team, and even more important, they have 3 key pieces in player of the year candidates Emily Maglio (MB) & Norene Iosia (S), plus libero Savanah Kahakai to build the defense and offense around - especially with a setter as talented as Iosia coming back, Hawaii will be at the top of the Big West. The replacement of Shoji with Mow-Santos is about as seamless of a transition one could have imagined. The feeling here is Mow-Santos will give a little edge to the team, the new era will create a new buzz & motivation, and while front-line players McKenna Granato, Casey Castillo may not be the traditional Hawaii'big arm' OHs, with another year of experience and Iosia setting the table the offense will give them ample opportunities to step up and they'll deliver. Add in 3 solid front-line recruits and Hawaii has a lot of upside potential to grow as the season progresses. As usual, Hawaii has the run of pre-conference tournaments at home. Hawaii will get tested early with UCLA, San Diego, Utah, Baylor, & BYU where they'll probably take a couple of lumps but they also could surprise and come into conference with a top 20 ranking. With a 9 team conference and Hawaii's unique travel schedule, the Hawaii conference schedule is, well, a little weird. Should Hawaii make the NCAAs (and they'll likely have a good idea after their Nov 4 match with Long Beach), they'll play just TWO matches after that until the first week of December - a little bizarre, and part of the reason I think the Big West should consider a post-season 4 or 6 team tourney, just two many gaps year after year for teams with Hawaii the most notable. I think it's the best possible scenario for Mow-Santos. The expectations are reasonable, a solid class coming in, and the challenge in the background is to see the quality of her first recruiting class. Hawaii's recruits below: Howling is a 6-3 middle hitter out of Venice High School in Los Angeles, Calif. where she has recorded over 300 kills in both her sophomore and junior seasons with the Gondoliers. The two-year team captain has earned several accolades during her high school career—including being named to PrepVolleyball's Senior Ace List and their 2017 Juniors List . Howling has been recognized as an AVCA Phenom (2013-16) and was named to both the all-city and all-league first team the past two years. In the classroom, Howling has also been a standout as an all-state Scholar-Athlete Award honoree for 2013, '14, and '15. "Sophia possesses the size and physicality that we look for in players," says Shoji. "She has loads of potential with raw athletic talent and we project her to contribute to the program quickly." Lipscomb is a 6-2 middle/outside hitter from San Diego, Calif. This past fall the six-rotation player was named to several "senior watch lists" including prepvolleyball.com's "Class of 2017 Senior Aces: The 150," and the San Diego Union-Tribune's "Prep Volleyball Players to Watch" list. As a freshman, she helped La Jolla Country Day capture the 2013 Division 5 state championship and as a sophomore she led the Torreys to a state quarterfinals appearance. The past two seasons, she has played for Cathedral Catholic High School in San Diego. "We like Shaney's versatility and her aggressiveness," states Shoji. "She plays at a very high-energy level with a strong, competitive spirit which we liked." Williams is a 6-2 middle hitter from Mayfair High School in Lakewood, Calif. an all-league first team selection, Williams helped lead the Monsoons to the league championship and Most Valuable Player honors last season. She also was named her team's "Most Improved" and "Best Offensive Player" while earning all-tournament recognition for the Molten Classic and was a first-team all-league pick as well. "Skyler has great athletic ability with a lot of room for growth," says Shoji. "She will be an emerging player for us in the coming years." She is coached in club by former Rainbow Wahine Alex Griffiths who played at Hawai'i from 2010-11 One thing I do like about this Hawaii team, as you pointed out, is that they have a core of experienced players (not sure if any of the freshman will have an immediate impact). Though without a single big terminator, a perhaps small edge, is that they are a cohesive group that know each other well. From that perspective alone they won't have the growing pains that some of the other teams in the conference may experience. Together they have been involved in a couple of Conference titles and have experienced post-conference play. Also, as you mentioned the coaching change should be fairly seamless. They have a great deal of respect for their new coach and I believe that they will be extra motivated to do well for her.
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Post by beachgrad on Jul 31, 2017 19:20:04 GMT -5
If is very hard to replace a player like Taylor as she carried the team at times, sometime just from the service line. However, it seemed that the team looked to her too much last year and that kinda took way some of the offensive diversity that could have really propelled Hawaii. This year the team will have to play team ball and that may in fact make them a better team. I do not see a drop off this season and have them picked as the preseason conference champion going against the trending pick of Cal Poly.
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Post by bigfan on Jul 31, 2017 19:26:04 GMT -5
Hawaii. While Shoji has moved on, the road to the Big West title still goes thru Hawaii. so with an entire thread devoted to the Wahine, and with 100 times more of the excruciating details - here is the view from a distance.
PLEASE..................... Volleytalk can never get enough information about the WAHINE.
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