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UCLA
Dec 11, 2019 15:37:02 GMT -5
bigfan likes this
Post by dunninla3 on Dec 11, 2019 15:37:02 GMT -5
you know, if Sealy weren't such a prick, several of the Beach defenders would have been willing to step in and help if asked. But there is no way in hell Simo or May would have had much good to say about the guy if asked. Now if Keller were the coach next year, different story entirely. Simo still has a year to play at UCLA correct? yes, she's a Sr. I actually expect her to play #1 or #2 pairs as the defender for Van Winkle or Denaburg ... depends on how Steino wants to spread the wealth to maximize team points. I think she is marginally better than Sparks at this point, but Sparks is so beach savvy (pun) with cutties and controlled shots that I'm not sure who I'd prefer were I a blocker. The real interesting thing to me will be whether Mac May will crack the top 5. I think she will. But that sort of leaves incoming AA OH transfer Quade from Illinois playing musical chairs for a seat. UCLA's 2020 Beach team is so deep, especially at Blocker, it makes you shake your head how they would possibly not 3 peat this year. Out of Blockers: Van Winkle Denaburg Monkhouse Yeomans Justine May Quade Newbury which three don't crack the top 5? this is just two years after UCLA was short of true blockers, and even used 3 double defender teams -- Canadian twins, Simo/Muno, and Zappia + partner.
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UCLA
Dec 12, 2019 20:38:10 GMT -5
Post by vodeng on Dec 12, 2019 20:38:10 GMT -5
I see the problems this year were that Simo had to be moved up to OH because we did not have another talented OH. The middles were inexperienced and under used but they got better as the year wore on. And the setter situation stinks. There is a lot of work to be done. But I felt proud of the team f orpulling together toward the end of the year in spite of these problems. What setter situation are you referring to?
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UCLA
Dec 12, 2019 22:07:43 GMT -5
Post by dunninla3 on Dec 12, 2019 22:07:43 GMT -5
^ may have been referring to Thompson being out for about 6 games at the beginning of the season.
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UCLA
Dec 13, 2019 0:57:02 GMT -5
Post by vtnewb on Dec 13, 2019 0:57:02 GMT -5
I see the problems this year were that Simo had to be moved up to OH because we did not have another talented OH. The middles were inexperienced and under used but they got better as the year wore on. And the setter situation stinks. There is a lot of work to be done. But I felt proud of the team f orpulling together toward the end of the year in spite of these problems. What setter situation are you referring to? Vodeng, what was your assessment of the setters this year? I would also be interested to hear elaboration on the stinking setting situation as well. I didn't see a ton of games but certainly didn't appear to be their strong suit so it would be good to hear from those that saw them all
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Post by vodeng on Dec 13, 2019 14:17:13 GMT -5
What setter situation are you referring to? Vodeng, what was your assessment of the setters this year? I would also be interested to hear elaboration on the stinking setting situation as well. I didn't see a ton of games but certainly didn't appear to be their strong suit so it would be good to hear from those that saw them all I do not think the setting was any kind of liability. I do think there was a challenge when Thompson was injured in the first game. The plan was to run a 5-1 with Thompson and I am sure that is how they spent most of the preseason practicing. Always a challenge when switching setters and if the injury hadn't occured maybe they do better and win a game or two they lost in preseason. Those wins might have given them a better spot in the tourney to advance one more round, who knows. Thompson missed all 9 games of the preseason and next appearance was vs USC. I heard mostly good comments on her performance and the team did play better going forward at that point. Sealy decided to run a 6-2 instead of the 5-1. I think this was a good decision because both setters are competent, it provided better blocking and side stepped the lack of a slide attack. It also allowed Hadrych to gain experience this year and she was a bright spot. Without the 6-2 she would not have gained valuable experience for next year which should be good one. I wouldn't characterize the setting as "not a strong suit" because that indicates some sort of deficiency. I think it was at least competent and given the challenges maybe better. You can't have May and Simo hitting at those percentages with bad setting. As far as the complaint that they weren't setting the middles, I think they set them more and more and the season went on. All three middles are rookies and they increasingly set them as they improved during the season. Anyway I just don't think the setting was much of an issue.
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UCLA
Dec 13, 2019 14:28:08 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by bruinsgold on Dec 13, 2019 14:28:08 GMT -5
Vodeng, what was your assessment of the setters this year? I would also be interested to hear elaboration on the stinking setting situation as well. I didn't see a ton of games but certainly didn't appear to be their strong suit so it would be good to hear from those that saw them all I do not think the setting was any kind of liability. I do think there was a challenge when Thompson was injured in the first game. The plan was to run a 5-1 with Thompson and I am sure that is how they spent most of the preseason practicing. Always a challenge when switching setters and if the injury hadn't occured maybe they do better and win a game or two they lost in preseason. Those wins might have given them a better spot in the tourney to advance one more round, who knows. Thompson missed all 9 games of the preseason and next appearance was vs USC. I heard mostly good comments on her performance and the team did play better going forward at that point. Sealy decided to run a 6-2 instead of the 5-1. I think this was a good decision because both setters are competent, it provided better blocking and side stepped the lack of a slide attack. It also allowed Hadrych to gain experience this year and she was a bright spot. Without the 6-2 she would not have gained valuable experience for next year which should be good one. I wouldn't characterize the setting as "not a strong suit" because that indicates some sort of deficiency. I think it was at least competent and given the challenges maybe better. You can't have May and Simo hitting at those percentages with bad setting. As far as the complaint that they weren't setting the middles, I think they set them more and more and the season went on. All three middles are rookies and they increasingly set them as they improved during the season. Anyway I just don't think the setting was much of an issue. 100% agree with this. The setting was far from an issue. It also worked out well because I feel like Thompson understood Simo as a front row player and gave her the sets she needed to be effective. I thought Chang was the better setter for May in the front row; they had a great connection. Either way, the setting was good this year and I'm curious how they'll approach it next year -- either gaining another transfer setter, going with Chang and Harrer, or letting Chang fly solo.
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UCLA
Dec 13, 2019 14:42:02 GMT -5
Post by vodeng on Dec 13, 2019 14:42:02 GMT -5
I think the only reason we won't see a 5-1 with Chang would be the lack of a slide attack. Chang has plenty of experience now and is a decent blocker, and like you said has the good connection to May. I am curious about Harrer, she wasn't on the sidelines last few games. Also what becomes of Light? Is she back on the floor next year and what are the ramifications of that?
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UCLA
Dec 13, 2019 15:35:46 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by pac12fan on Dec 13, 2019 15:35:46 GMT -5
I think the only reason we won't see a 5-1 with Chang would be the lack of a slide attack. Chang has plenty of experience now and is a decent blocker, and like you said has the good connection to May. I am curious about Harrer, she wasn't on the sidelines last few games. Also what becomes of Light? Is she back on the floor next year and what are the ramifications of that? I noticed that Harrer was gone at the last home game and against USC too. She’s still listed on the beach roster for 2020. We would know already if a UCLA player entered the portal. Maybe she’s going to focus on beach.
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UCLA
Dec 13, 2019 20:50:23 GMT -5
Post by Deleted on Dec 13, 2019 20:50:23 GMT -5
I think that an incredible setter is one of the the most important parts of creating a championship team. I do hope Chang can rise above competent and become a stunning setter and we can run a 5-1 next season. I would like to see us take the NCAA championship again.
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UCLA
Dec 14, 2019 2:17:23 GMT -5
bigfan likes this
Post by kokyu on Dec 14, 2019 2:17:23 GMT -5
I'm sure Sealy isn't writing off anyone but the best indicator for future performance is past performance and based on that I expect he's looking for competition at the position. Are you familiar with Sealy's coaching history at UCLA?
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UCLA
Dec 14, 2019 10:19:04 GMT -5
Post by bigfan on Dec 14, 2019 10:19:04 GMT -5
I'm sure Sealy isn't writing off anyone but the best indicator for future performance is past performance and based on that I expect he's looking for competition at the position. Are you familiar with Sealy's coaching history at UCLA? The clarity you bring goes over the heads of many
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UCLA
Dec 18, 2019 12:20:44 GMT -5
Post by Word on Dec 18, 2019 12:20:44 GMT -5
According to Prepvolley:
Kate Lane, a 6-0 Class of 2020 setter previously committed to SMU, from Palos Verdes High School (CA) and SCVC, has committed to UCLA.
Along with Audrey Pak, there's now two setters coming in. I know Pak was a walk-on, what about this one? I don't know anything about her talent level. I thought UCLA was going to look for a transfer to pair with Chang but now who knows. That would be too many setters if they brought in a transfer. Anyone know about this new kid?
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UCLA
Dec 18, 2019 13:38:13 GMT -5
Post by azvolleydad on Dec 18, 2019 13:38:13 GMT -5
According to Prepvolley: Kate Lane, a 6-0 Class of 2020 setter previously committed to SMU, from Palos Verdes High School (CA) and SCVC, has committed to UCLA. Along with Audrey Pak, there's now two setters coming in. I know Pak was a walk-on, what about this one? I don't know anything about her talent level. I thought UCLA was going to look for a transfer to pair with Chang but now who knows. That would be too many setters if they brought in a transfer. Anyone know about this new kid? Chang should transfer.
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UCLA
Dec 18, 2019 14:04:42 GMT -5
Post by Word on Dec 18, 2019 14:04:42 GMT -5
According to Prepvolley: Kate Lane, a 6-0 Class of 2020 setter previously committed to SMU, from Palos Verdes High School (CA) and SCVC, has committed to UCLA. Along with Audrey Pak, there's now two setters coming in. I know Pak was a walk-on, what about this one? I don't know anything about her talent level. I thought UCLA was going to look for a transfer to pair with Chang but now who knows. That would be too many setters if they brought in a transfer. Anyone know about this new kid? Chang should transfer. LOL! While that idea may be good for other reasons, Pak and Lane aren't the setter Chang is. Bringing in lesser talent should only make Chang feel more at ease. Now if a transfer setter comes in, then maybe Chang should question the motives.
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Post by dunninla3 on Dec 18, 2019 17:23:09 GMT -5
Or have Chang stay and endure another year of Mike Sealy, then transfer to a team that gets her to the Final Four, like Miller was smart enough to do.
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