|
Post by craftylefty on Aug 29, 2014 13:08:04 GMT -5
Nice to get another outside. One of my concerns coming in to this season was our lack of depth in that spot. Even if she seldom plays, it's just nice to have someone on the bench for some peace of mind. Also, very bummed to hear about Brittany Jack's departure from the program. I wish her nothing but the best. She will be a great catch for another team if she chooses to play elsewhere.
|
|
|
Post by spikerthemovie on Aug 29, 2014 13:48:00 GMT -5
It's also possible this addition isn't quite as "last-minute" as it seems. What with transferring foreign credits and language tests and other considerations, it seems like the pieces can take a while to fall into place for foreign/"foreign" players (recall that we didn't know if we were going to see Santana playing until we actually saw her on the court the first match of her freshman season).
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 29, 2014 13:50:44 GMT -5
It's also possible this addition isn't quite as "last-minute" as it seems. What with transferring foreign credits and language tests and other considerations, it seems like the pieces can take a while to fall into place for foreign/"foreign" players (recall that we didn't know if we were going to see Santana playing until we actually saw her on the court the first match of her freshman season). I think they learned with Rosado not to make things public so soon, though.
|
|
|
Post by gogophers on Aug 30, 2014 1:07:16 GMT -5
I wrote the following to a friend, but figured why not vent to the board generally. So, here goes (nothing, perhaps).
Jack's departure makes 8 players from last year, aside from the graduates, who have left the team, 7 of the 8 being (for what it's worth) non-Minnesotans. I know that, as Bobby Simone once said on NYPD Blue, everything is a situation, but it's weird how players just leave at such odd times: after winning an award as teammate of the year (Israel), playing one week on the road in spring ball and off the roster by the next (Lawmaster), attending camps and scrimmaging in the pre-season, then poof (Jack). Each departure may have a boring explanation behind it, but, collectively, the sheer number of leavings does a number on my conception or delusion of the team as being a thing unto itself: we few, we happy few, we band of sisters. So many of the sisters seem to have their bags packed.
As distressing as it is to see the Gophers' roster start to resemble that of pick-up games at the playground, I'm pretty sure my newly found and disturbing apathy--or is it anger?--has mostly to do with the Gophers new ticketing/seating policy. I heard--have no idea if it's true, but I heard--that the coaches signed off on the policy, something which, if true, would cause my estimation of Hugh and Laura to sink like a stone.
I went to the season opening match on Friday to find what? The Pav, as usual in August, a steam bath, much hotter inside than out; the ticket prices bumped up to be on par with what I used to pay scalpers for late season Twins' tickets at the Metrodome; the concession stands charging movie theatre-like prices for food movie theatre-like in quality; and the unkindest cut of all, the same group who for years sat with or near me behind the end-line, the true loyalists, many of them booster club members, rousted from their seats by 70 year old grim-faced ushers and scattered to the far corners of the arena, just so that a bunch of students could occupy those seats--occupy then, that is, from the time they arrived fashionably late mid-way through the first set until they departed the scene en masse during the break after the second set. That the young larvae stage Gophers had to fight off set point in two of the three sets, playing at home against a team ranked 168 by Pablo at the end of last year, didn't help my disposition, either. The play was as uninspiring on the court as I was uninspired sitting there, 100 feet or more from court side, watching it. It was, all in all, a rather dyspeptic experience-so much so that I had to wonder why I should want to repeat it. The answer is, and can only be, that I love the program. But I'm having the very distinct impression that the program isn't loving me back. Unrequited love can last only so long. I won't be attending Saturday's matches, partly because I have some other things to do, but mostly because I don't see any incentive to prioritize the match over said other things. I don't even know when the next home match after that is, or who Minn is playing. I guess now that I think about it, it is in part apathy but mostly anger. Rational or not, I feel the program considers me a nuisance in actually thinking that the last thing the program should do is ape the big-time sports and put money and all the false gods of the marketing gurus ahead of the demonstrated loyalty of its long-time stalwarts. Bah humbug.
|
|
|
Post by rainbowbadger on Aug 30, 2014 8:45:46 GMT -5
I don't know how things were in the Pav before, as last night was my first night there. I will say that the place doesn't feel very intimate (compared to the Field House, which is about as intimate as an arena that size can get). We had purchased reserved "seat back" seats in the corner - section 2, I believe - and though we sat in the bleachers with the Badger fans during the WI/Lou match, we sat in our reserved seats for this match. My observations:
The students were not much of a student section. I get why you want to put students where they put the students in the Pav, but these students were not living up to their end of the bargain, which is to be rowdy and loud and obnoxious to the opponent, and rowdy and loud and supportive to the home team. These guys just sat there, and as soon as the whistle blew on set point of set two, they rushed out of the Pav like there was a fire.
There were a lot of empty seats. Specifically, there were a lot of empty CLOSE seats. Wisconsin has just one section of reserved seats, and the rest are general admission, allowing the crowd to fill in naturally as close to the court as possible. I'm not sure what the attendance of this match was, but it seemed like there were a lot fewer people there than there probably were because everyone was scattered out to their assigned seats.
The Field House has better ice cream. $4.50 for a bowl of Kemps, when I can pay the same amount for a gallon bucket of the stuff at Safeway? Seriously?
Okay, enough with the ragging on the facilities/concessions.
What I saw last night was a Minnesota struggling to pass - not as much as last year, but I'd expected more out of Rosado than I saw last night for sure - struggling to block (in sets 1 and 2), and relying on Santana to carry the team. I expected them to win, but I didn't expect them to struggle so much.
Nora is going to be a weapon this season, especially if she keeps her line shots in.
Paige Tapp - yes, I learned to tell the apart! - impressed me last night. I completely understand why she didn't see much court time last year, but I think she will blossom this year.
|
|
|
Post by craftylefty on Aug 30, 2014 8:58:15 GMT -5
I don't know how things were in the Pav before, as last night was my first night there. I will say that the place doesn't feel very intimate (compared to the Field House, which is about as intimate as an arena that size can get). We had purchased reserved "seat back" seats in the corner - section 2, I believe - and though we sat in the bleachers with the Badger fans during the WI/Lou match, we sat in our reserved seats for this match. My observations: The students were not much of a student section. I get why you want to put students where they put the students in the Pav, but these students were not living up to their end of the bargain, which is to be rowdy and loud and obnoxious to the opponent, and rowdy and loud and supportive to the home team. These guys just sat there, and as soon as the whistle blew on set point of set two, they rushed out of the Pav like there was a fire. There were a lot of empty seats. Specifically, there were a lot of empty CLOSE seats. Wisconsin has just one section of reserved seats, and the rest are general admission, allowing the crowd to fill in naturally as close to the court as possible. I'm not sure what the attendance of this match was, but it seemed like there were a lot fewer people there than there probably were because everyone was scattered out to their assigned seats. The Field House has better ice cream. $4.50 for a bowl of Kemps, when I can pay the same amount for a gallon bucket of the stuff at Safeway? Seriously? Okay, enough with the ragging on the facilities/concessions. What I saw last night was a Minnesota struggling to pass - not as much as last year, but I'd expected more out of Rosado than I saw last night for sure - struggling to block (in sets 1 and 2), and relying on Santana to carry the team. I expected them to win, but I didn't expect them to struggle so much. Nora is going to be a weapon this season, especially if she keeps her line shots in. Paige Tapp - yes, I learned to tell the apart! - impressed me last night. I completely understand why she didn't see much court time last year, but I think she will blossom this year. Interesting to hear about Rosado. What did you think about Goehner and her passing? Did she add much to it? I did not attend the match - I will be there tonight - but I was a bit surprised to see Wilhite get the start at OH over Goehner. Seemed like they both played well enough, though, just from poring over the stats.
|
|
|
Post by craftylefty on Aug 30, 2014 9:36:07 GMT -5
To be quite honest, I kind of feel the same way. Granted, I am a VERY new fan to the Gophers. I've been following the team consistently since about 2009 or 2010 or so, but this is only my third year of holding tickets and attending matches. So, I don't have much to use for a reference point, but I am concerned about the number of players who have left us in the past year. People have mentioned before that almost all of them are from out of state and are walk-ons, which is true, but they made up our bench, which to me is a critical "cheering section" for the active players and also encourages extra gym competition. It's fine that so many of our current players have played together in the past for Northern Lights, but I fear that they might be a little too comfortable playing with each other so that they maybe take it for granted and expect to win by doing what they have done in the past. Having those more "unfamiliar" players in the gym adds a special ingredient of uncertainty, maybe (?) and hopefully keeps all players on their toes. Regarding our coaches: When looking at the previous year and comparing to the current year, it seemed quite clear to me that the players that we have starting for us now are the players that they really strived to keep. The season is (VERY!) young as is our team, but I worry a bit that maybe too much stock was put in certain players coming into this year, particularly Rosado, Goehner, and Wilhite. The coaches almost certainly knew a year ago that they wanted these three players starting or at least playing on a regular basis. What if they don't quite pan out as expected? Yes, they are young and have a lot of capacity for growth, but I guess I just wish some of our other departed players who have even small amounts of playing and competing at this level - particularly our departed juniors - would have stuck around to give us some more security in this regard. On that note, our dear friend Kalysta White played libero for the Hurricanes last night and led that team with 21 digs. Happy to see our former players finding success and playing time: www.hurricanesports.com/pdf9/2772825.pdf?DB_OEM_ID=28700To sum up everything, I am sad to see so many of our (admittedly walk-on) players leave because they were either told they would get little to no playing time or felt they would get little to no playing time. Maybe none of them will ever be First Team All-Americans, but at least they had a couple years of D1 experience. I really like (love) the Gopher volleyball program as a whole and badly want it to succeed, but it seems like the coaches are really taking a gamble with such a young, lean team this season. Enough doom and gloom: I do still love the current team and its players. I will cheer to the ends of the earth for them, and I am PUMPED for tonight's match, as I did not attend last night. It is going to be tough - and based on what I've heard and read from the play of last night, very tough - but I am eager to see which players really step up. Maybe we'll see a bit more lineup experimentation. I understand that Alyssa Goehner came in to play back row in place of Bohl, which I thought was interesting. I wonder if the coaches plan on keeping her in the backrow consistently, but I suppose that depends on the play of Bohl (and Wilhite, I guess). <abbr data-timestamp="1409406346000" class="time" title="Aug 30, 2014 8:45:46 GMT -5">Aug 30, 2014 8:45:46 GMT -5</abbr> rainbowbadger said: I don't know how things were in the Pav before, as last night was my first night there. I will say that the place doesn't feel very intimate (compared to the Field House, which is about as intimate as an arena that size can get). We had purchased reserved "seat back" seats in the corner - section 2, I believe - and though we sat in the bleachers with the Badger fans during the WI/Lou match, we sat in our reserved seats for this match. My observations: The students were not much of a student section. I get why you want to put students where they put the students in the Pav, but these students were not living up to their end of the bargain, which is to be rowdy and loud and obnoxious to the opponent, and rowdy and loud and supportive to the home team. These guys just sat there, and as soon as the whistle blew on set point of set two, they rushed out of the Pav like there was a fire. There were a lot of empty seats. Specifically, there were a lot of empty CLOSE seats. Wisconsin has just one section of reserved seats, and the rest are general admission, allowing the crowd to fill in naturally as close to the court as possible. I'm not sure what the attendance of this match was, but it seemed like there were a lot fewer people there than there probably were because everyone was scattered out to their assigned seats. The Field House has better ice cream. $4.50 for a bowl of Kemps, when I can pay the same amount for a gallon bucket of the stuff at Safeway? Seriously? Okay, enough with the ragging on the facilities/concessions. What I saw last night was a Minnesota struggling to pass - not as much as last year, but I'd expected more out of Rosado than I saw last night for sure - struggling to block (in sets 1 and 2), and relying on Santana to carry the team. I expected them to win, but I didn't expect them to struggle so much. Nora is going to be a weapon this season, especially if she keeps her line shots in. Paige Tapp - yes, I learned to tell the apart! - impressed me last night. I completely understand why she didn't see much court time last year, but I think she will blossom this year.
|
|
|
Post by spikerthemovie on Aug 30, 2014 9:59:15 GMT -5
I wrote the following to a friend, but figured why not vent to the board generally. So, here goes (nothing, perhaps). Jack's departure makes 8 players from last year, aside from the graduates, who have left the team, 7 of the 8 being (for what it's worth) non-Minnesotans. I know that, as Bobby Simone once said on NYPD Blue, everything is a situation, but it's weird how players just leave at such odd times: after winning an award as teammate of the year (Israel), playing one week on the road in spring ball and off the roster by the next (Lawmaster), attending camps and scrimmaging in the pre-season, then poof (Jack). Each departure may have a boring explanation behind it, but, collectively, the sheer number of leavings does a number on my conception or delusion of the team as being a thing unto itself: we few, we happy few, we band of sisters. So many of the sisters seem to have their bags packed. As distressing as it is to see the Gophers' roster start to resemble that of pick-up games at the playground, I'm pretty sure my newly found and disturbing apathy--or is it anger?--has mostly to do with the Gophers new ticketing/seating policy. I heard--have no idea if it's true, but I heard--that the coaches signed off on the policy, something which, if true, would cause my estimation of Hugh and Laura to sink like a stone. I went to the season opening match on Friday to find what? The Pav, as usual in August, a steam bath, much hotter inside than out; the ticket prices bumped up to be on par with what I used to pay scalpers for late season Twins' tickets at the Metrodome; the concession stands charging movie theatre-like prices for food movie theatre-like in quality; and the unkindest cut of all, the same group who for years sat with or near me behind the end-line, the true loyalists, many of them booster club members, rousted from their seats by 70 year old grim-faced ushers and scattered to the far corners of the arena, just so that a bunch of students could occupy those seats--occupy then, that is, from the time they arrived fashionably late mid-way through the first set until they departed the scene en masse during the break after the second set. That the young larvae stage Gophers had to fight off set point in two of the three sets, playing at home against a team ranked 168 by Pablo at the end of last year, didn't help my disposition, either. The play was as uninspiring on the court as I was uninspired sitting there, 100 feet or more from court side, watching it. It was, all in all, a rather dyspeptic experience-so much so that I had to wonder why I should want to repeat it. The answer is, and can only be, that I love the program. But I'm having the very distinct impression that the program isn't loving me back. Unrequited love can last only so long. I won't be attending Saturday's matches, partly because I have some other things to do, but mostly because I don't see any incentive to prioritize the match over said other things. I don't even know when the next home match after that is, or who Minn is playing. I guess now that I think about it, it is in part apathy but mostly anger. Rational or not, I feel the program considers me a nuisance in actually thinking that the last thing the program should do is ape the big-time sports and put money and all the false gods of the marketing gurus ahead of the demonstrated loyalty of its long-time stalwarts. Bah humbug. Jack was there last night, so I'm hoping there's no bitterness in the reasons for her departure (and I know there was none in at least several of the other cases) but your point is taken. As to the other stuff, please send this letter not just to your friend but to the Gopher ticket office and McCutcheon (I sent one myself). They need to know about the seating/pricing matters, especially, because mistakes are being made and I hope it's not too late to fix them.
|
|
|
Post by zero-rotation outside hitter on Aug 30, 2014 10:15:38 GMT -5
I attended the match last night with a few observations:
Morgan Bohl, say goodbye to playing time. Goehner was far and away more consistent and accurate (and quick) with her ball control. If she keeps that up, I don't see Bohl doing much.
Sarah Wilhite continues to be an enigma to me. I want so badly for her to be good. She was on her heels much of the time, was not aggressive or explosive and is essentially non-existent as an offensive threat in transition. I stuggle to see how she's going to ever be a weapon in the front row unless she drastically improves her jumping and shot selection. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if Goehner were more effective in the front row eventually. Morgan Bohl should hope for that imo.
Tapp sisters did a fine job, particularly on blocking. Nora had some good swings as usual. Schau was all over the place with her sets. This has something to do with the mediocre passing (at best), but even on free balls it was never in a consistent place for hitters to find a rhythm. This could be a rough year at the setting position.
Santana was usual Santana. Lots of heavy swings, lots of pounding into stuff blocks. Fair passing, a couple aces.
It's VERY early in the season so much of the play will be cleaned up considerably as the season progresses I'm sure. My biggest concern is passing/serve receive. Schau isn't good enough to turn bad passes into something effective at the net.
|
|
|
Post by rainbowbadger on Aug 30, 2014 10:29:52 GMT -5
Agree about Goehner. She played back row for Nora quite well. Don't know what she looks like hitting, but I could see her taking the L2 spot on ball control alone.
|
|
|
Post by gophergal on Aug 30, 2014 10:51:37 GMT -5
GoGophers, thanks for your loyalty. I know it's tough to stay enthusiastic when you feel unappreciated (25 years of Timberwolves tickets -- yes, you read that correctly -- have beaten that into me. And I realize I probably just lost any credibility I might have had but...)and I'm glad you're still with us. Please hang in there. I, too, love this program and believe we fans have to endure a bit of transition pain while Hugh gets established here.
I agree 100% with Spiker that you should voice your concerns to the athletic dept. Of course I don't know the inner workings of the dept., but I believe I've noticed a difference with Teague as AD. Honestly, I don't think he gives a rat's patootie about volleyball. I don't think he even cares enough to pretend to care. And, even worse, I don't think the volleyball program has a strong advocate within the dept. Exhibit A: half the home matches are on Wednesdays! Yes, I know other schools have the same problem; it's just that it didn't used to be like that here.
Just one word in defense of our student section: classes haven't started yet. The students there last night were, I believe, mostly freshmen and one told me before leaving that there was an orientation speaker at 8 p.m. So, nice coordination there.
But our new libero -- can we call her Rosy? -- was a nice addition and Paige was terrific. Brittany was there, cheering for her former teammates, which says volumes about her but also good things about them. So, hang in there, GoGophers!
|
|
|
Post by spikerthemovie on Aug 30, 2014 11:05:54 GMT -5
I attended the match last night with a few observations: Morgan Bohl, say goodbye to playing time. Goehner was far and away more consistent and accurate (and quick) with her ball control. If she keeps that up, I don't see Bohl doing much. Sarah Wilhite continues to be an enigma to me. I want so badly for her to be good. She was on her heels much of the time, was not aggressive or explosive and is essentially non-existent as an offensive threat in transition. I stuggle to see how she's going to ever be a weapon in the front row unless she drastically improves her jumping and shot selection. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if Goehner were more effective in the front row eventually. Morgan Bohl should hope for that imo. Tapp sisters did a fine job, particularly on blocking. Nora had some good swings as usual. Schau was all over the place with her sets. This has something to do with the mediocre passing (at best), but even on free balls it was never in a consistent place for hitters to find a rhythm. This could be a rough year at the setting position. Santana was usual Santana. Lots of heavy swings, lots of pounding into stuff blocks. Fair passing, a couple aces. It's VERY early in the season so much of the play will be cleaned up considerably as the season progresses I'm sure. My biggest concern is passing/serve receive. Schau isn't good enough to turn bad passes into something effective at the net. It ended up getting buried but there is a thread for the match, FYI: volleytalk.proboards.com/thread/54941/mn-ndI think about 90 percent of that room was surprised to see Wilhite getting the start instead of Goehner. I'm glad Wilhite is feeling better but, at the scrimmage, Goehner sure looked like she was ready to pound some balls.
|
|
|
Post by rainbowbadger on Aug 30, 2014 11:24:25 GMT -5
I agree 100% with Spiker that you should voice your concerns to the athletic dept. Of course I don't know the inner workings of the dept., but I believe I've noticed a difference with Teague as AD. Honestly, I don't think he gives a rat's patootie about volleyball. I don't think he even cares enough to pretend to care. And, even worse, I don't think the volleyball program has a strong advocate within the dept. Exhibit A: half the home matches are on Wednesdays! Yes, I know other schools have the same problem; it's just that it didn't used to be like that here. In defense of your new AD, he had nothing to do with the Wednesday matches. Sheffield explained to WI season ticket-holders that it was a conference-wide decision initiated and agreed to by the coaches. The deal is that if your travel partner plays on a Wednesday, you also play on a Wednesday. That is to prevent one team being more rested than the other team because the first team got to be on TV - most Wednesday matches last year were so scheduled because of BTN or ESPN. For example, last year, Minnesota played Penn State on a Wednesday. Then they got to go home and sleep in their beds for a couple of nights and review tape on Ohio State before flying to Columbus to play the Buckeyes on Saturday. Penn State also got several days to prep for Wisconsin. Meanwhile, Wisconsin played Ohio State on Friday, then had to travel to Happy Valley that night, get just a few hours of sleep, and play Penn State the following night with not a ton of time to prep for them. Ohio State got to sleep in their own beds, but they too had to turn around and play the Gophers with no time to prep. The example I gave above is one where Wisconsin got the shaft, but every team was on the short end of that scheduling stick at least once. So this year, when they were meeting to iron out the schedule, the coaches all agreed to have both travel partners play on Wednesdays. That's what we get for being on TV more. I doubt the ADs even knew about this. If they did, they probably deferred to their coaches.
|
|
|
Post by mnsports255 on Aug 30, 2014 13:29:56 GMT -5
My concise match observations. Rosado- Without over analyzing, she handled serve receive well last night, had some nice digs, and served effectively. Made a couple poor decisions, but who didn't? I can tell she's going to be a good one! Nora- Her swings looked real good, but many of her shots resulted in some great saves by ND, so the results weren't quite there. I'm excited for her this year! Paige- Pleasantly surprised. Put up an enormous block and was seemingly always stuffing out ND's attacks. Not powerful, but efficient with her shots too. She should put up a really strong block for us this season. Hannah- Hannah struggled a bit last night. Some mis-connections with Schau, but they'll be fine. Hannah is the least of our worries this year. Daly- She looked good. Was a bit over-set IMO and tired trying to put down ball after ball, so a lot of her swings didn't end up in kills, but she dominated the first 2 sets, and her serving was on point. Daly's going to be a leader for us. MOST IMPORTANTLY Wilhite- Something's just not working here. Her approach is timid, her swings are even more timid, and she doesn't jump real well either. She wasn't very mobile in the back row either. Plus, 5 (yep FIVE) service errors as well. Goehner- Didn't see a ton of action, but did her job on defense. I wouldn't be surprised if she starts tonight, or ends up with the OH2 spot within a few weeks.
|
|
|
Post by mnsports255 on Aug 30, 2014 13:33:00 GMT -5
Agree about Goehner. She played back row for Nora quite well. Don't know what she looks like hitting, but I could see her taking the L2 spot on ball control alone. Well, for starters, she jumps higher, has a much quicker/more explosive approach, and easily has a heavier arm. Only thing Wilhite may be better at is shot placement. The decision by Hugh has many Gopher fans puzzled...
|
|