I must say this game is a joy. So much to root for and nothing to root against
I'm a Husker fan, and I want my girls to win. They've worked to hard not to.
AND BIG UPS TO CHRISTINA ON PLAYER OF THE YEAR...CAMBRIDGE, NEBRASKA REPRESENTIN'!!!!! If Washington wins the day, I wouldn't be upset. I remember Jim MacLaughlin from when he coached Kansas State. He's a good man and did a lot in Manhattan..and helped advance the Big 12 along by helping to build another strong program, and he did it the way you have to do it. He didn't focus on what he didn't have, he worked with what he had.
As far as the match goes. There are fourings I need to see from my Huskers tomorrow.
1. Consistent Focus On Fundamentals.
Having seen much of both teams this season, Nebraska has the physical advantage, but we have to continue to stress what the team has made their talking point all season.
Attention to the finer details. We have serve well, pass well and on defense, we have to get under the ball and dig it out.
When I look at Washington, I see a lot of what I saw Jimmy Mac stress at Kansas State. At KSU he didn't have the overwhelming gifted talent, but each kid did the gritty things well.
The Huskers have to match that discipline, and its something they have done this year more consistently than ever.
2. Don't Get Down If It Gets Hard
That has been my one complaint with John Cooks teams in recent years. They tend at time to knuckle under and press issues rather than return to center and concentrate on that one play, one point. That is one gift that many of Terry Pettit's team had. They didn't rattle easy. Many Times Nebraska would be down 8-1, 9-1 and battle back, because they would settle down, play point-to-point and execute.
3. Now Is The Time For All Good Women.
The difference in this match will not be so much Houghtelling vs. Tomasevic or Paven/Melly El vs. Hagerty/Morrison, although the best players have to show up and show out.
The difference in this match will be in the Jordan Larsons, Jen Saleamuas, Dani Busbooms, Candace Lees, and Darla Myhreses. When your on the floor, do your job. When your not on the floor keep your head in it.
Any of you could be a Kate Crnich.
4. Be like Christina...
SMILE! Enjoy this and love this. Tomorrow you drink to a foeman worthy of your steel. You've been eyeing them. They've been eyeing you.
Fingersnaps like Sharks and Jets have been in constant reverb.
Don't get nervous. Get ready, and drink it in.
To my lasses in red...
Thanks for being a fine homesickness cure! Thanks To the Dynamic Danis (Busboom and Mancuso), Not So Little Jordy, Rachel, Amanda and Meghan. The Homestatahs! Nebraska Girls Who Rock.
I SALUTE YOU. Thanks, Tracy Stalls. BLOCK HARD!
Thanks, Rachel Holloway and Maggie Griffin. The way you compete every day got this team here.
Thanks, Jennifer Saleaumua. Thanks for sticking with it. It took a little time, but you came through fine!
Thanks, Melissa Elmer. You've been a rock for so long. Your name will live among the greatest of Huskers in any sport. I want this championship for you most of all.
Last, but not least.
Thanks, Christina Houghtelling and Sarah Pavan. Words can say enough. Impressive on the court. Impressive off the court. Great Players, and Great Kids. There's a reason why my little cousin wants to be just like you both. She has good taste in role models.