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Post by tamz on Apr 19, 2024 19:59:03 GMT -5
USA4 was out of contention two tournaments ago 🤣 So, Tri said on Sancast they'd play the first few tournaments in 2024 and then decide where they stand. We're now 4 tournaments into 2024 and where they stand is... in a pile of muck with nobody to clean out the stall.
Do they go to Xiamen, or do they stay home and start thinking about AVP?
It’s surely going to be an awkward plane ride back!
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Post by justaharmlessburrito on Apr 19, 2024 20:01:29 GMT -5
USA4 was out of contention two tournaments ago 🤣 So, Tri said on Sancast they'd play the first few tournaments in 2024 and then decide where they stand. We're now 4 tournaments into 2024 and where they stand is... in a pile of muck with nobody to clean out the stall.
Do they go to Xiamen, or do they stay home and start thinking about AVP?
My guess is they stay home. Tri said on a recent Sandcast that he noticed last year "diminished returns" if he did more than 3-4 tournaments in a row. Does losing 1 qualifying match count as a tournament?
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Post by vbexpat2 on Apr 19, 2024 20:58:35 GMT -5
So, Tri said on Sancast they'd play the first few tournaments in 2024 and then decide where they stand. We're now 4 tournaments into 2024 and where they stand is... in a pile of muck with nobody to clean out the stall.
Do they go to Xiamen, or do they stay home and start thinking about AVP?
My guess is they stay home. Tri said on a recent Sandcast that he noticed last year "diminished returns" if he did more than 3-4 tournaments in a row. Does losing 1 qualifying match count as a tournament? Agree, I don't see a logical reason for them to go. It would be a complete waste of money for them. Would USAV even pay for them to go at this point without the chance of making the olympics?
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Post by dunninla3 on Apr 19, 2024 21:02:11 GMT -5
Agree, I don't see a logical reason for them to go. It would be a complete waste of money for them. Would USAV even pay for them to go at this point without the chance of making the olympics? i can't remember. I'm not sure if they reimburse airfare for more than Top3. However, even if a team provisionally qualifies for airfare reimbursement, if they don't advance out of Qualis, they are out of luck . For Xiamen, USA4 is in Main Draw, so no issue about Qualis. But they're USA4/
Maybe Seaiaen can chime in.
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Post by guest2 on Apr 19, 2024 21:05:34 GMT -5
Or the day after the FIVB mildly suggested that maybe they could stop doing it if they didnt mind. Miles looks really out of sorts this match. Benesh is playing really well and the Cubans can't pass a thing so they will probably still win fairly easily. Love how assertive Andy is on two here I didn't see it that way. Yes, Benesh played well, but cuffing at least 3 long isn't better than Miles hitting 2-3 out and a couple into block or tape. I guess I'll have to have a look at the stats. Anyway, Miles was putting a lot of heat on his angle attacks. The E16 rust is starting to fall off. Much better rhythm this match than v. GER.
Miles wasn't just making a lot of errors, he was making poor choices and missing easy digs. And keep in mind he was hitting against Alayo's defense. There were at least 4-5 balls that are coming up against a good defender. I'd also disagree on the rust coming off or that it is rust in general rather than possibly an injury or just general poor play. Cuba is not as good as Germany, that was the difference. Since you previously said that we shouldn't count last year when evaluating Cuba, I'll note that this year they are 0-6 against Elite level teams and that their best win this year is probably the Bellos? Cuba has a ton of potential, and they are physically superior to the Challenge field, but they have not proven anything at any level and in pool they got stomped by two teams that are currently middle of the pack Elite teams. They have an opportunity against a reeling Czech team that hasn't played well in their last 4 events, but your assessment that they are medal contenders is looking dubious
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Post by guest2 on Apr 19, 2024 21:07:10 GMT -5
who would have thought that ITA1, 6th in the world, would be the team to go winless in Pool? E16s are rough. Treo... what a victory. So the two teams we were debating would be last in Pool... ESP wins Pool and Treo advances. This also puts even more ground between USA2 and USA3. 600 min. replacing a 460. Difference now 360 points, and I'm already counting 720 for Mudinger at the NORCECA Tour Finals. Mudinger need to do something special at Xiamen, such as winning, with Treo failing to podium. This also puts USA4 out of any realistic chance of overtaking USA2. It's over 1120 point delta now.
USA4 was out of contention two tournaments ago 🤣 Two? I'd say closer to 10, but we should definitely stop including them in any Olympic analysis.
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Post by guest2 on Apr 19, 2024 21:12:49 GMT -5
So, Tri said on Sancast they'd play the first few tournaments in 2024 and then decide where they stand. We're now 4 tournaments into 2024 and where they stand is... in a pile of muck with nobody to clean out the stall. Do they go to Xiamen, or do they stay home and start thinking about AVP?
My guess is they stay home. Tri said on a recent Sandcast that he noticed last year "diminished returns" if he did more than 3-4 tournaments in a row. Does losing 1 qualifying match count as a tournament? Maybe I'm reading the schedule wrong but I think they only played 3 weeks in a row once, and didn't play 4?
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Post by VT Karen on Apr 19, 2024 21:15:45 GMT -5
USA4 was out of contention two tournaments ago 🤣 Two? I'd say closer to 10, but we should definitely stop including them in any Olympic analysis. I wonder how much of a monetary deficit Cri is in as a pair. Have they won any prize money on the international tour? Edit: Just checked their finishes. They actually have a myriad of top 10 finishes with a high of a 4th place finish.
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Post by guest2 on Apr 19, 2024 21:29:12 GMT -5
The Partain pool playoff matches are looking enticing.
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Post by tamz on Apr 19, 2024 22:25:12 GMT -5
This is becoming a very sad night.
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Post by VT Karen on Apr 19, 2024 22:37:53 GMT -5
The Polish teams defense is insane right now!
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Post by VT Karen on Apr 19, 2024 22:45:05 GMT -5
Menesh goes down.
Treo, you're USA's hope now lol
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Post by guest2 on Apr 19, 2024 22:52:27 GMT -5
Cubans beat the injured Czechs. Nice win for the youngsters and it looks like at least one forfeit was legit
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Post by houdini on Apr 19, 2024 22:54:05 GMT -5
Menesh goes down. Treo, you're USA's hope now lol Poland played lights out side-out - at 94% ! When your opponents do that you've gotta amp up the serve toughness. USA didn't do that. USA had two aces and only one error on serves. Gotta risk more.
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Post by VT Karen on Apr 19, 2024 22:55:12 GMT -5
Menesh goes down. Treo, you're USA's hope now lol Poland played lights out side-out - at 94% ! When your opponents do that you've gotta amp up the serve toughness. USA didn't do that. USA had twoaces and only one error on serves. Gotta risk more. Agreed! Poland was so good. I'm hopeful that Menesh can build upon this finish if they can stay healthy while ramping up to Paris.
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