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Post by ACE on Dec 21, 2006 0:20:31 GMT -5
Based on what I've seen so far out of Hittle, I'm not sold on her. I've watched 2004 tapes, 2005 tapes (although played injured) and the beginning of the 2006 season, and in all honesty, she has yet to prove she's capable of being that player we want her to be. I do believe she is a better passer than Houston and Mason, but not that much.
In the beginning of the 2006 season, it was apparent that Mason belonged on the left (based on her numbers and her approach)...it's too bad that Hawaii needed an injury for Shoji to see that. in 2007, Hittle will need to be on the OPP position and have her run crossing-plays as she did in 2004.
Hawaii really needs another OH. Maybe Otineru, maybe Arnott, but Hittle is not for that position...not yet anyways, stats proves it.
I looked at Hittle stats from the beginning of the year when she played supposedly healthy. she hit .100 or so for the first 3 matches and hit negative against UCLA. She only hit for a good percentage against Colorado.
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Post by aaronic on Dec 21, 2006 0:40:54 GMT -5
You are correct, they did not drop out of the tournament. Like I said in my first post. My outlook for '07 for the Whine is still the same. Another conference championship against inferior competition and then a 3rd or 4th round loss followed by 2 weeks worth of finger pointing and blaming everyone else for the loss. In the mean time Nebraska and Stanford will duke it out for another championship. First, Nebraska may be duking it out in the Finals, but I doubt they'll be even lucky to make it there... I just see nothing but a finish in the semis... seeing as how they'll probably be hosting another regional and most likely subregional. Secondly This year, I don't think that there was much of any high expectations for the Wahine to begin with. Them even making it to a regional was suprising in itself therefore the whining was more of at a minimum. And UCLA was a pretty darn good team too- that probably should have won that second game vs. Nebraska and make it just a little different than the actual outcome. And in conclusion, I think you're just a Nebraska fan who hates the fact that Hawaii has more fans on this board and the fact that they beat Nebraska every year in attendance (avg.). Or youre just jealous of the fact that what many fans on this board claim of your Huskers choking in every postseason run(since 2000) are pretty accurate (on an annual basis). Having said that, the fact that Nebraska was suprisingly able to actually win it all gives such closet fans as youself, a chance to come out and brag about the fact that everyone on the board was finally wrong. I guess this is why more Husker fans are beginning to come out of the woodwork.
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Post by wiscvball on Dec 21, 2006 0:51:40 GMT -5
And in conclusion, I think you're just a Nebraska fan who hates the fact that Hawaii has more fans on this board and the fact that they beat Nebraska every year in attendance (avg.). Or youre just jealous of the fact that what many fans on this board claim of your Huskers choking in every postseason run(since 2000) are pretty accurate (on an annual basis). Having said that, the fact that Nebraska was suprisingly able to actually win it all gives such closet fans as youself, a chance to come out and brag about the fact that everyone on the board was finally wrong. I guess this is why more Husker fans are beginning to come out of the woodwork. I think this might be the stupidest comment I've read on this board in a long time. #1, Nebraska sells out every match they play at home. If they had the capacity of the Stan S Center they would be equal if not better to the attendance that Hawaii has. They just don't currently have the capacity to do so. And as far as Nebraska as a choking team since 2000... they have won two national championships in the last seven years, which is about how many times Hawaii has even made it to the final four. I don't think it's fair to label them as chokers... especially after their performance this year when they pretty much whooped up on a solid final four field. I'm not trying to defend CVBC14's comments, but to go off on him as being a Hawaii hater and Nebraska lover with the facts that you present is a little off base. If NU had a 9,000 seat arena, they would be #1 in attendance every year, and you can't deny that Nebraska has been the best team outside of USC and Stanford (both of which are debatable as to being better than NU) in the last 7 years. Those are three teams in a class of their own, and in the future it looks as though Stanford and Nebraska will continue that tradition.
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Post by aaronic on Dec 21, 2006 1:10:28 GMT -5
And in conclusion, I think you're just a Nebraska fan who hates the fact that Hawaii has more fans on this board and the fact that they beat Nebraska every year in attendance (avg.). Or youre just jealous of the fact that what many fans on this board claim of your Huskers choking in every postseason run(since 2000) are pretty accurate (on an annual basis). Having said that, the fact that Nebraska was suprisingly able to actually win it all gives such closet fans as youself, a chance to come out and brag about the fact that everyone on the board was finally wrong. I guess this is why more Husker fans are beginning to come out of the woodwork. I think this might be the stupidest comment I've read on this board in a long time. #1, Nebraska sells out every match they play at home. If they had the capacity of the Stan S Center they would be equal if not better to the attendance that Hawaii has. They just don't currently have the capacity to do so. And as far as Nebraska as a choking team since 2000... they have won two national championships in the last seven years, which is about how many times Hawaii has even made it to the final four. I don't think it's fair to label them as chokers... especially after their performance this year when they pretty much whooped up on a solid final four field. I'm not trying to defend CVBC14's comments, but to go off on him as being a Hawaii hater and Nebraska lover with the facts that you present is a little off base. If NU had a 9,000 seat arena, they would be #1 in attendance every year, and you can't deny that Nebraska has been the best team outside of USC and Stanford (both of which are debatable as to being better than NU) in the last 7 years. Those are three teams in a class of their own, and in the future it looks as though Stanford and Nebraska will continue that tradition. WiscvVball... there's a reason for saying what I did, and the fact that you can't make a statement without the plause of "IF" validates my quote. I mean seriously, when everything of what I say factually turns up incorrect than i'll retract it but until then you can't prove anything... go back to the "Wisconsin 2007" thread. I swear you're beginning to make this turn to something out of context. btw, if you want me to research that quote for you, I can. Except to all the statements where you pose the word "IF."
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Post by LowVBIQ on Dec 21, 2006 1:27:11 GMT -5
Hey, Wiscvball, the word 'stupidest' is currently not recognized in Webster's Dictionary. However, it can be used as slang. It's usually not a good idea to use slang when trying to illustrate a factual point. Just trying to help out around here.
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Post by 5100 on Dec 21, 2006 1:30:46 GMT -5
Based on what I've seen so far out of Hittle, I'm not sold on her. I've watched 2004 tapes, 2005 tapes (although played injured) and the beginning of the 2006 season, and in all honesty, she has yet to prove she's capable of being that player we want her to be. I do believe she is a better passer than Houston and Mason, but not that much. In the beginning of the 2006 season, it was apparent that Mason belonged on the left (based on her numbers and her approach)...it's too bad that Hawaii needed an injury for Shoji to see that. in 2007, Hittle will need to be on the OPP position and have her run crossing-plays as she did in 2004. Hawaii really needs another OH. Maybe Otineru, maybe Arnott, but Hittle is not for that position...not yet anyways, stats proves it. I looked at Hittle stats from the beginning of the year when she played supposedly healthy. she hit .100 or so for the first 3 matches and hit negative against UCLA. She only hit for a good percentage against Colorado. I think Hittle was pretty good in 2004. She was a bit inconsistent, but she was very explosive and definitely fun to watch. Last year, she was hurt and I didn't really expect much from her. I also wouldn't count the five matches she played in this year because she was playing through a lot of pain. It's just that Shoji keeps saying how great an all-around player she is (as if she is the one player who will carry the team), and sometimes, fans like me tend to expect those things from Hittle and we end up disappointed. Shoji went as far as saying last year that she was the finest passer and defender on the squad. I'm sorry but Watanabe was the best digger on last year's team and she and Boogaard were both better passers than Hittle. Maybe if Shoji didn't build up all that hype around Hittle, then fans wouldn't be so disappointed. I would love for Hittle to get back to her 2004 form next year. She was energetic, an explosive hitter, and was very, very fun to watch. Also, she is the cutest and has great legs. I'm sorry for that last sentence. I couldn't help it.
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Post by aaronic on Dec 21, 2006 1:31:43 GMT -5
Hey, Wiscvball, the word 'stupidest' is currently not recognized in Webster's Dictionary. However, it can be used as slang. It's usually not a good idea to use slang when trying to illustrate a factual point. Just trying to help out around here. thanks.
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Post by nodisrespect on Dec 21, 2006 1:40:52 GMT -5
I disagree with him about the 2003 final four match. We didn't choke, Florida just played better. They followed their game plan. They knew the key to winning was frustrating Willoughby and that's exactly what they did. They served at her all the time and put two blockers in front of her all the time. Once they took her out of the match they were able to go after Lily and take her out as well. Both had double-digit errors by the end of the four games. The truth is, that 2003 team was not as good as Florida and USC that year. We had too many weaknesses (middles, right-side) and Florida exploited them. I'm not taking anything from Florida, but I firmly believed that we definately had a higher chance of winning that match. Those 3 games won by Florida were close. And I agree about the middles and rightside. Seriously, I wished Heather Bown was still there! Secondly, I think at the time('03), Kim Willoughby was the BEST College outside hitter in the Country.... better than Ross, better than Cruz... remember there's a reason why she won the NPOY that year. I don't think she really choked as much as it was Florida and Stanford were all keying in on Willoughby. I'm sure those tips would have been picked up.... and I don't know why you weren't able to pick up on that. I am not doubting Willoughby's abilities and her stats were unbelievable. For what it's worth, I really thought that she was going to win the award in '02 as well because she had way better numbers than Logan Tom did. Heather Cox and Chris Marlowe had the same thoughts as well. So I was shocked when Logan won even though I wasn't supposed to considering it's Logan-Tom-the-Olympian-while-still-playing-in-college. But of course, had it been stats Meriweather would have won the award this year. What I call suspect are her numbers against weaker opponents compared to top 5 or even high caliber opponents. There is a HUGE difference. Hence the word *cough* choker. While I was amazed with her all-around play I wish she tipped the ball more instead of banging away 98% of the time. Heck, I couldn't believe that Heather Cox said the same thing on tv. And also, Stanford and Florida may have dug up those tips but they also wouldn't have. They were so far back in the court whenever Kim was in the front hitting the ball.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 21, 2006 1:43:14 GMT -5
Sheesh, I just wasted my time reading all the drivel in this thread. I know it's hard to resist the temptation, but can't we just ignore the trolls please!!
As for the topic of the thread, Hawaii will probably be ranked around 10 or so at the beginning of the season, right around where they ended it this season. I agree with triasfan top 15 for sure, they could be in the 6-10 range if everything works out well.
I am a little concerned about the fact that we only have one setter on the roster next year, and with the injury problems they had this year, we really need a solid backup at that position. I've read and article that says Dave is still trying to recruit a setter, so I wonder if any of the transfers mentioned on this board from UCSB and Utah are at all interested in Hawaii? It will be an interesting spring, that is for sure.
I think the key as others have said is how Hittle returns from her injury. Yes she struggled last year and the beginning of this year and didn't hit for a high percentage, but I discount that somewhat knowing that she was playing hurt at the time. We saw a glimpse of what she was capable of when she was fully healthy when she actually led the team in kills in the spring exhibition against Nebraska two years ago. If Houston improves as much as she did from her freshman to sophmore seasons, then watch out. That was a Willoughby-esque performance against USC, she just needs to be more consistent and be able to play like that every night.
In all there are many reasons for optimism, me personally I always try to see the glass as half full.
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Post by nodisrespect on Dec 21, 2006 2:01:45 GMT -5
Sheesh, I just wasted my time reading all the drivel in this thread. I know it's hard to resist the temptation, but can't we just ignore the trolls please!! I am far from a troll. Seriously, most Hawaii fans cannot handle the truth. They can dish about other teams, but they won't let anything happen to their Wahine. I agree with triasfan top 15 for sure, they could be in the 6-10 range if everything works out well. What, you can't agree with me because I'm a "troll"? Until I see any Heather Bowns or Kim Willoughbys or Lily Kahumokus in next year's squad, I will say that Hawaii will only be in the top 15. I think Hawaii will be fine next season. Top 15 definitely, top ten perhaps.
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Post by Aikea on Dec 21, 2006 2:08:02 GMT -5
I am a little concerned about the fact that we only have one setter on the roster next year, and with the injury problems they had this year, we really need a solid backup at that position. I've read and article that says Dave is still trying to recruit a setter, so I wonder if any of the transfers mentioned on this board from UCSB and Utah are at all interested in Hawaii? It will be an interesting spring, that is for sure. I think the key as others have said is how Hittle returns from her injury. Yes she struggled last year and the beginning of this year and didn't hit for a high percentage, but I discount that somewhat knowing that she was playing hurt at the time. We saw a glimpse of what she was capable of when she was fully healthy when she actually led the team in kills in the spring exhibition against Nebraska two years ago. If Houston improves as much as she did from her freshman to sophmore seasons, then watch out. That was a Willoughby-esque performance against USC, she just needs to be more consistent and be able to play like that every night. In all there are many reasons for optimism, me personally I always try to see the glass as half full. I agree with you that Hawaii needs another setter. I'm skeptical that Krug would transfer to Hawaii. I've read that she left Utah because she had little chance of starting (not sure if this is true) If Mafua is as good as some posters have stated, would Krug be willing to transfer to Hawaii? If she does come and gets beat out by Mafua, how long would she stay. I applaud your optimism. I am looking forward to next year and think Hawaii will be a really good, competitive team.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 21, 2006 2:10:32 GMT -5
Sheesh, I just wasted my time reading all the drivel in this thread. I know it's hard to resist the temptation, but can't we just ignore the trolls please!! I am far from a troll. Seriously, most Hawaii fans cannot handle the truth. They can dish about other teams, but they won't let anything happen to their Wahine. What, you can't agree with me because I'm a "troll"? I think Hawaii will be fine next season. Top 15 definitely, top ten perhaps. I wasn't referring to you... oh never mind
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Post by Deleted on Dec 21, 2006 2:19:51 GMT -5
I agree with you that Hawaii needs another setter. I'm skeptical that Krug would transfer to Hawaii. I've read that she left Utah because she had little chance of starting (not sure if this is true) If Mafua is as good as some posters have stated, would Krug be willing to transfer to Hawaii? If she does come and gets beat out by Mafua, how long would she stay. I applaud your optimism. I am looking forward to next year and think Hawaii will be a really good, competitive team. Yeah I'm not sure what her interest level is (if any) of Hawaii. I think a Utah fan posted that she would transfer to a place where she would be 99% sure of starting right away. I think the only reason people think she might be interested is the connection with Tara Hittle. The thing is though I don't think there is a top 20 type of team that she could be guaranteed to start at right away. Most of the top teams seem to be "set" at the setter position for next year. Of course maybe she just wants to play and doesn't mind so much if it's not for a top 20 type team, not everyone can be like Cayley Thurlby after all.
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Post by gobows on Dec 21, 2006 4:15:17 GMT -5
The thing I am most excited about is the increased competition within the WAC. There will more exciting games and more close matches to strenghen the Wahine and prepare for post season games.
Dani will do great!!
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Post by pineapple on Dec 21, 2006 4:37:12 GMT -5
I think Hawaii will be fine next season. Top 15 definitely, top ten perhaps. Kamana'o is a huge loss and so is Mason. A lot of Hawaii's success next season will be based on the injured players returning healthy, especially Hittle. If we get everyone back healthy, the squad has the potential to make a serious run next year. As for nodisrespect's weigh in on the issue, I think a lot of what he said about next year's Wahine is true based on the facts we have now. Talent-wise, Hawaii is not up there with Penn State, Nebraska, Stanford, Texas, Florida, and USC. The injured players are still injured and no one is certain whether they'll be back at 100%, which we'll need them to be at if we want to compete with the best. He's also right in that there are no Kim Willoughby, Lily Kahumoku, Heather Bown type talents on next years team. Jamie Houston is not any of those three at least for the time being (although she is much better than Therese Crawford ever was). We saw glimpses of what she could do against USC, but we have yet to see that kind of effort consistently. With another year of practice Houston COULD become like those three, but as of right now she's not and until we see her next year all we can do as fans is speculate. I disagree with him about the 2003 final four match. We didn't choke, Florida just played better. They followed their game plan. They knew the key to winning was frustrating Willoughby and that's exactly what they did. They served at her all the time and put two blockers in front of her all the time. Once they took her out of the match they were able to go after Lily and take her out as well. Both had double-digit errors by the end of the four games. The truth is, that 2003 team was not as good as Florida and USC that year. We had too many weaknesses (middles, right-side) and Florida exploited them. Hey, Triasfan, I saw Jasmine at the movie theater last night. After I purchased my tickets and walked away, my wife told me that was Jasmine behind you. She was with two friends. In the small theater, one of 14 in the complex, she sat three rows behind us. Only about 15 people in the theater. The movie? "Pursuit of Happiness." I thought about you when I saw her. Not really a big thing for me because she lives about a mile from my house, goes to the same church I go to and her aunt (mom's sister) and my wife are close friends.
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