UNI schedule

[The Bofa on the Sofa]

I don't think I've seen anyone post a UNI schedule yet, so I thought I'd do it.

Aside from the Valley matches, here is what they have:

UNI Invitational
08/24/07 Kentucky vs. Wright State McLeod Center 5:00 p.m. CT
vs. Western Michigan McLeod Center 7:30 p.m. CT
08/25/07 Western Michigan vs. Kentucky McLeod Center 10:00 a.m. CT
vs. Wright State McLeod Center 12:30 p.m. CT
Western Michigan vs. Wright State McLeod Center 5:00 p.m. CT
vs. Kentucky McLeod Center 7:30 p.m. CT

Molten Classic
08/31/07 vs. American Provo, Utah 5:00 p.m. CT
09/01/07 vs. Wisconsin Provo, Utah 11:00 a.m. CT
at BYU Provo, Utah 8:00 p.m. CT

09/05/07 vs. Iowa State McLeod Center 7:00 p.m. CT
Varney's Kansas State Invitational
09/07/07 at Kansas State Manhattan, Kan. 7:30 p.m. CT
09/08/07 vs. Arkansas Manhattan, Kan. 10:00 a.m. CT
vs. Fresno State Manhattan, Kan. 6:00 p.m. CT

10/09/07 at Western Illinois Macomb, Ill. 7:00 p.m. CT

They start out pretty fair at home, with Kentucky probably the toughest of the three teams in. However, they have a great trip the next week. American is a regular conference champ, and so a good head to head, and then BYU and Wisc are serious. Iowa St should still be strong, and Kansas St should be very improved from last year (they looked really good this spring). Overall, a legitimate schedule. No, not a top 10 level schedule, but there are certainly enough contenders there giving UNI opportunities for some quality wins that will help them come tournament selection time.

UNI brings back a lot of players from last year, with Humpal being the hardest to replace. They are lacking in the middle right now, and only had two middles available in spring ball, so they will need to find folks for that spot in the fall. OTOH, they bring back Belzung, who is establishing herself very well as a setter, and they still have Brazda, Rowen, and Stelken who can play, especially in the Valley. If they can bring around another middle, then they should be flirting with the top 30 again this year.

[Never Stressed]

UNI should be an interesting team this yr. Add Aschoff to the list you provided and they are pretty solid. Stelken looks to be the choice to pair with Brazda in the middle unless Oexman can return to form after ACL surgery last season. Haven't heard anything on her progress, but she was capable of performing prior to the injury.

I think the biggest loss will be Steph May. Leadership is a tough quality to replace. Belzung, Brazda and Rowan need to step up. Physically they've recruited Chelsea Saunders as Mays replacement. Has all the credentials to be a good one. Could be fun in Cedar Falls this yr.

[The Bofa on the Sofa]

The loss of May will be interesting, but not for the leadership issue. It is more of a question of who is going to be able to receive a serve. That was their biggest weakness last year. Teams were serving Row constantly, and she struggled. In fact, serve it to anyone but May, and they had problems.

It would be nice if Oexman could come back. Stelken is such a nice OPP. They tried her last her as a third middle, but that didn't work as well as just letting her rip from the right.

And I have to mention the favorite player of Kenny Kubesh (Bobbi's uncle), Amy Sampson, just because Kenny would be disappointed if I didn't.

[redrooster]

UNI should be more athletic this year. Hopefully Oexman rehabs well, but the other redshirt freshmen should also be contributors, in keeping with UNI's tradition of turning great athletes into top VB players. The libero from Texas should also be a good one, and I have seen the incoming MB from Lincoln play--a very nice player who should help them out as well, now or in the near future.

[Never Stressed]

How could I forget Sampson....she's splintered many a court in the last 2 yrs. Undersized but a great arm. Rowan certainly had her share of adventures in the serve receive department...it didn't take long for teams to figure out where to attack. May and Dietz graduating left a big hole in the back. Karsten is very athletic....she might find some court time working the backrow. With Belzung handling the setting...and Benson waiting in the wings Bobbi might just mix it up this yr and run a 6-2. They have a pretty talented group working at getting some court time after the redshirt yr. Who knows....

[The Bofa on the Sofa]

Another exciting part of UNI volleyball this year will be the full season in the MacLeod Center. I hope UNI fans get out and keep it sufficiently filled. It could be a spectacular volleyball court if they can regularly get 2500 - 3000 fans in there (with the occasional 4000).

[Deleted]

No Minnesota match for the first time in -- I don't know how long.

UNI's been bowling in jello for several years now. Time to climb out and wash up.

[redrooster]

"UNI's been bowling in jello for several years now. Time to climb out and wash up."

What in the world is that supposed to mean? I would also guess they are not playing Minnesota because Minnesota refuses to play them at UNI. Too bad--it would be a great draw in the new arena, given the relatively short drive for Minnesota fans.

[Never Stressed]

Bowling in jello....is that anything like wrestling in jello???
If it is I want the film rights!!!!!