|
Post by sunsuphornsup on Sept 14, 2015 10:34:13 GMT -5
I continue to be really impressed with Chloe and Amy, both undersized for their position. Chloe's athleticism is in full display in a 5-1 and she's a great compliment to the team's shortcoming (their passing). Her ability to get under the ball on a bad pass and save balls at the net is a beautiful thing to see. It's apparent she's developed a great rhythm with her hitters and she and Chiaka continue to work really well together.
I love Amy's new serve. When it's consistent, she puts teams out of system. I think it may even be more effective than Haley's serve with it's movement. I am also really proud of how much Amy has stepped up this season. She's definitely one of the smartest players on the team. Her ability to read the block and see the court is evident with her ability to make plays and score at will. What she lacks in size she more than makes up in court awareness and thoughtfulness. I want to see her passing continue to improve as the season progresses. But she's on track to have a stellar Senior season.
Molly McCage is doing a great job stepping up on the right side, but I really think her best fit is in the Middle. I'm so excited to see Ebony step back in the RS position and having Molly in the second MB spot. Paulina finally showed us why she deserves to be in the second OH spot in the game against CSU. Like I've said in the past, I really think one she's able to get past mental hurdles she's going to be an offensive force on LS. She needs to learn a thing or two from Amy about mixing up her shots, but her improvement really showed in the game against CSU.
With everyone healthy, and with the way people have been performing, this is how I see the line up continuing to be:
S: Chloe Collins OH1: Amy Neal OH 2: Paulina Prieto DS: Kat Brooks/Lauren Beard for Paulina MB 1: Chiaka Ogbogu MB 2: Molly McCage RS: Ebony Nwanebu Libero: Cat McCoy
|
|
|
Post by Orpheus on Sept 14, 2015 11:13:14 GMT -5
I started watching right when Texas made its comeback, so I didn't get to see what caused the breakdown. I'm guessing passing (do I need to guess LOL) because Amy Neal has far more attempts than everyone else, with fewer kills. Chloe spurred the comeback with some fantastic defensive saves and aggressive net play. I don't know anything about Colorado State (CSU), but was thinking this match would be a good test for Texas based on the #14 ranking of CSU. CSU looked pretty good during the first set and looked in control of the set when they took a 17-14 lead. I was waiting for Elliott to call a timeout and he stood up as if he would do that but didn't. Texas came back to quickly tie the set at 17-17 on kills by McCage and Neal and an ace by Freshman Beard. The teams then exchanged points until CSU led 19-18. Texas then scored 7 or the next 8 points to win 25-20. A couple of kills by Texas and attack errors and service errors from CSU. Texas cruised the rest of the match. Impressions. 1) Prieto had her best match of the season and very welcomed since it was against a quality opponent. She does need to work on her defense - she has a bad habit of leaving her area and exposing the court / putting pressure on other players to cover for her. 2) Amy Neal's serving was amazing. Looked like she was just toying with CSU's back court when she ripped off 4 aces in a row in set 3. Watching her, she would eye where the players were leaning and go after them. My favorite was her third ace when the CSU defender stared leaning to her left to help cover the court and Neal went to her right and the player shanked the ball towards the CSU bench. Neal was definitely in the zone which helped since her hitting was off yesterday. She couldn't put away balls like she normally does which may be a credit to CSU's defense. I don't know if she is the best player pound for pound, but I do think she is the smartest player pound for pound in the country. Also, love that there is no boasting or flash from her. She takes care of business on the court. Not sure what her future plans are, but looks like she'd be an outstanding coach. 3)Freshman DS Lauren Beard is a very good addition to the team. She works very well with McCoy and Brooks. I think she's been a great help to McCoy who is playing very well as the team's libero. Beard may be on the bench when Ebony returns and plays all the way around, but her reliability bodes well for the post season. She's fundamentally sound and calm on the court and serves well. She will have the inside track to take Brooks playing time next season. 4)Mirta Baselovic has improved significantly and is a good blocker. She earned a start against a quality CSU which should help her confidence. Looks like she hit the weight room during the off season. But she only lasted 1 set against CSU and was replaced by freshman Johnson in sets 2 and 3. It looked to me that Mirta was out of position several times - one time making Collins look bad when a set from Collins hit the floor. 5)Overall this team looks much better passing than past teams. The team is solid and playing well together but does need Ebony to be a championship contender imo. Collins is also playing well - trying to be a hitter too much imo. She's best when she saves this for key moments of a match. Not sure on the state of Dalton's health, but Elliott is using Dalton late in matches for blocking purposes when Texas is serving. But Elliott doesn't leave her in the match from that point which is a clear indication to me, he prefers Collins' setting. But her liability blocking on the front row still could be a problem in the post season. This weeks tournament in Arizona looks fairly easy for Texas. Arizona will be competitive but the other two teams should be cakewalks. Maybe Elliott will give some playing time to Yaz, but we will see as he has be very consistent with his lineup selection this season. That may have something to do with the health of Dalton, Ebony and White, but may also be an indication he likes what he sees from the current lineup. Then it's Big 12 play which does not look very tough for Texas. A good opportunity to get healthy and hopefully make a run in the post season. Excellent impressions, thanks for sharing. I've only seen Chiaka's slide attacks on video, and color me impressed. Any comment on that connection from the perspective of someone viewing it live?
|
|
|
Post by southie on Sept 14, 2015 12:06:01 GMT -5
I definitely think Arizona will be a challenge. Our squad hasn't played on the road yet, and no idea how they will perform. I'm sure UofA is like most teams who play better at home than on the road. So, Texas needs to be prepared.
Honestly, I'm surprised Elliott hasn't tried Bedart-Ghani at Opposite and moved McCage back to the middle. Granted, Yaz is the next in line at OH if Amy or Paulina are struggling.
Getting healthy is still priority #1. Once Nwanebu is back in the lineup, I think things will start to solidify regarding starting spots and substitution patterns.
|
|
|
Post by jsn112 on Sept 14, 2015 12:13:51 GMT -5
Without Ebony, this lineup will not win a NC. Neal scores lots of points sith her serving and hitting. Neal gives up a lot of points with her serving and passing. Not sure she can outweigh the negatives at the level needed to win. I was very impressed by Collins setting, much better, much more consistent with decent selections. Prieto? Doesn't give me a warm fuzzy. With Ebony, a totally healthy one, all bets are off, if her arm doesn't fall off by NC. Pretty much my thoughts. When I discuss Texas Volleyball expectations, I am referring to competing for a national championship and not the Big 12 Conference Championship. 3 parts of the season for me: pre conference when Texas is playing some tough competition like Nebraska, Florida, Arizona . . .; Big 12 conference where Texas should cruise; and NCAA playoffs. Based on the 1st two weeks, player health and lineup/position depth are everything for this team. Of course that applies to most top teams, but my personal interest in Texas Volleyball. Texas winning a national championship with Chloe Collins setting from the front row will be very difficult. Everything will have to fall into place and that starts with a healthy Ebony who is consistently on the court in the post season. Texas playing at home before the Final 4 is one of those intangibles / tangibles for the team to advance to Omaha. It looks to me that Elliott wants to run a 6-2 with this lineup but recognizes that putting Dalton on the court is not beneficial to the team if she cannot consistently contribute. I thought his coaching against Nebraska was very good especially with his management of substitutions and holding Dalton out of the lineup until late in specific games when he brought her in to play front row for blocking. In the meantime, we need Collins to stay healthy and for her teammates to have her back by keeping teams out of system as much as possible with good passing and consistent blocking. And most importantly a consistent team of Prieto and Neal and a healthy Ebony. We saw the difference with Ebony in the lineup against Nebraska and with her on the bench against Florida. Get healthy Texas! I would love for PSU to meet Texas in the playoff. It would be great to see Courtney vs. Prieto since they came in together. I remember seeing them hugging and crying on each other's shoulders after the 2013 NC and thought they were like sisters. So if they do meet, this will be one last time they see each other on the court as this is Courtney's last year. On a different note, how confident are you that Texas' current roster (including Ebony) is good enough to take out PSU? I know I am PSU biased, but they looked unstoppable even if I am not biased. Would a 5-1 best to take us out or do you think a 6-2 would be better? Please be honest because I really enjoy our matches together since that epic 2009 NC (also, I am tired of beating Stanford... uhh...not really... ).
|
|
|
Post by canda on Sept 14, 2015 13:39:55 GMT -5
I think Texas and Penn State fans should watch highlights of the Hawaii-Florida match, because those two teams looked like they were in a league of their own Saturday night.
|
|
|
Post by SportyBucky on Sept 14, 2015 13:46:09 GMT -5
Pretty much my thoughts. When I discuss Texas Volleyball expectations, I am referring to competing for a national championship and not the Big 12 Conference Championship. 3 parts of the season for me: pre conference when Texas is playing some tough competition like Nebraska, Florida, Arizona . . .; Big 12 conference where Texas should cruise; and NCAA playoffs. Based on the 1st two weeks, player health and lineup/position depth are everything for this team. Of course that applies to most top teams, but my personal interest in Texas Volleyball. Texas winning a national championship with Chloe Collins setting from the front row will be very difficult. Everything will have to fall into place and that starts with a healthy Ebony who is consistently on the court in the post season. Texas playing at home before the Final 4 is one of those intangibles / tangibles for the team to advance to Omaha. It looks to me that Elliott wants to run a 6-2 with this lineup but recognizes that putting Dalton on the court is not beneficial to the team if she cannot consistently contribute. I thought his coaching against Nebraska was very good especially with his management of substitutions and holding Dalton out of the lineup until late in specific games when he brought her in to play front row for blocking. In the meantime, we need Collins to stay healthy and for her teammates to have her back by keeping teams out of system as much as possible with good passing and consistent blocking. And most importantly a consistent team of Prieto and Neal and a healthy Ebony. We saw the difference with Ebony in the lineup against Nebraska and with her on the bench against Florida. Get healthy Texas! I would love for PSU to meet Texas in the playoff. It would be great to see Courtney vs. Prieto since they came in together. I remember seeing them hugging and crying on each other's shoulders after the 2013 NC and thought they were like sisters. So if they do meet, this will be one last time they see each other on the court as this is Courtney's last year. On a different note, how confident are you that Texas' current roster (including Ebony) is good enough to take out PSU? I know I am PSU biased, but they looked unstoppable even if I am not biased. Would a 5-1 best to take us out or do you think a 6-2 would be better? Please be honest because I really enjoy our matches together since that epic 2009 NC (also, I am tired of beating Stanford... uhh...not really... ). For blocking, PSU's OHs will abuse Chloe. Nicole would help, however Nicole hasn't shown she can connect with MHs and sometimes cannot connect with her pin hitters. Honestly, PSU matches well with TX at every position but RS. If Texas cannot pass and terminate, they rely on Ebony/RS. Against NE, that worked. I'm not as convinced it will work against PSU.
|
|
|
Post by jsn112 on Sept 14, 2015 14:02:36 GMT -5
I would love for PSU to meet Texas in the playoff. It would be great to see Courtney vs. Prieto since they came in together. I remember seeing them hugging and crying on each other's shoulders after the 2013 NC and thought they were like sisters. So if they do meet, this will be one last time they see each other on the court as this is Courtney's last year. On a different note, how confident are you that Texas' current roster (including Ebony) is good enough to take out PSU? I know I am PSU biased, but they looked unstoppable even if I am not biased. Would a 5-1 best to take us out or do you think a 6-2 would be better? Please be honest because I really enjoy our matches together since that epic 2009 NC (also, I am tired of beating Stanford... uhh...not really... ). For blocking, PSU's OHs will abuse Chloe. Nicole would help, however Nicole hasn't shown she can connect with MHs and sometimes cannot connect with her pin hitters. Honestly, PSU matches well with TX at every position but RS. If Texas cannot pass and terminate, they rely on Ebony/RS. Against NE, that worked. I'm not as convinced it will work against PSU. I have noticed that RR likes to take out (and successfully at that) the other team's biggest weapons, e.g., Inky, Vansant, Murrey, etc., and let the others do the work. Against Texas this year, will it be Ebony or Ogbogu? I would say Ebony is the biggest. Or would you stop Ogbogu and serve Ebony all day long to tire her out (since she has back problems and if she plays 6 rotations)?
|
|
|
Post by elevationvb on Sept 15, 2015 9:20:38 GMT -5
Pretty much my thoughts. When I discuss Texas Volleyball expectations, I am referring to competing for a national championship and not the Big 12 Conference Championship. 3 parts of the season for me: pre conference when Texas is playing some tough competition like Nebraska, Florida, Arizona . . .; Big 12 conference where Texas should cruise; and NCAA playoffs. Based on the 1st two weeks, player health and lineup/position depth are everything for this team. Of course that applies to most top teams, but my personal interest in Texas Volleyball. Texas winning a national championship with Chloe Collins setting from the front row will be very difficult. Everything will have to fall into place and that starts with a healthy Ebony who is consistently on the court in the post season. Texas playing at home before the Final 4 is one of those intangibles / tangibles for the team to advance to Omaha. It looks to me that Elliott wants to run a 6-2 with this lineup but recognizes that putting Dalton on the court is not beneficial to the team if she cannot consistently contribute. I thought his coaching against Nebraska was very good especially with his management of substitutions and holding Dalton out of the lineup until late in specific games when he brought her in to play front row for blocking. In the meantime, we need Collins to stay healthy and for her teammates to have her back by keeping teams out of system as much as possible with good passing and consistent blocking. And most importantly a consistent team of Prieto and Neal and a healthy Ebony. We saw the difference with Ebony in the lineup against Nebraska and with her on the bench against Florida. Get healthy Texas! I would love for PSU to meet Texas in the playoff. It would be great to see Courtney vs. Prieto since they came in together. I remember seeing them hugging and crying on each other's shoulders after the 2013 NC and thought they were like sisters. So if they do meet, this will be one last time they see each other on the court as this is Courtney's last year. On a different note, how confident are you that Texas' current roster (including Ebony) is good enough to take out PSU? I know I am PSU biased, but they looked unstoppable even if I am not biased. Would a 5-1 best to take us out or do you think a 6-2 would be better? Please be honest because I really enjoy our matches together since that epic 2009 NC (also, I am tired of beating Stanford... uhh...not really... ). The only way I want to see Penn State is in the national championship game. That's It!
|
|
|
Post by elevationvb on Sept 15, 2015 9:24:49 GMT -5
And for all Texas Fans, Reports that AD Steve Patterson has been fired. Not official, but Austin American Statesman writer is reporting that "Loss of support from Longhorn coaches was final straw for Patterson."Unhappiness among the coaches has been ongoing since the handling of the tennis program and loss of the women's coach and restrictions placed on methods of travel for the programs including our baseball and volleyball programs. Restrictions on meals for coaches was especially bad for the non revenue programs. I know Swiss thought this was a Chip Brown vendetta against Patterson, but the problems have been ongoing since the hiring of Patterson. We foundation members and season ticket holders have felt it in our pocket books and university athletic department staff have felt it with staff being let go and positions not being filled. And coaches have been putting up with it also. Maybe the Volleyball DJ will be next to go! Mike Perrin is reported to be the interim AD.
|
|
|
Post by bigfan on Sept 15, 2015 11:42:02 GMT -5
|
|
|
Texas 2015
Sept 18, 2015 7:11:17 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by rainbowbadger on Sept 18, 2015 7:11:17 GMT -5
I read elsewhere that Ebony is out until November. Are they just being cautious with her back and letting her slowly rehab and strengthen?
A vertebral fracture would've healed by now, but I imagine there's a bunch of soft tissue damage as well. I cringe just thinking about it. Wishing her the best.
|
|
|
Texas 2015
Sept 18, 2015 11:05:58 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by Longhorn20 on Sept 18, 2015 11:05:58 GMT -5
I read elsewhere that Ebony is out until November. Are they just being cautious with her back and letting her slowly rehab and strengthen? A vertebral fracture would've healed by now, but I imagine there's a bunch of soft tissue damage as well. I cringe just thinking about it. Wishing her the best. If this is true then I really hope she redshirts. Imagine a 2017 Texas lineup that is: OH: White/Buckingham and Sun MB: Agbaji and Butler/Johnson S: Shook Opp: Nwanebu L: McCoy DS: Zelon
|
|
|
Texas 2015
Sept 18, 2015 11:09:45 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by Disc808 on Sept 18, 2015 11:09:45 GMT -5
I read elsewhere that Ebony is out until November. Are they just being cautious with her back and letting her slowly rehab and strengthen? A vertebral fracture would've healed by now, but I imagine there's a bunch of soft tissue damage as well. I cringe just thinking about it. Wishing her the best. If this is true then I really hope she redshirts. Imagine a 2017 Texas lineup that is: OH: White/Buckingham and Sun MB: Agbaji and Butler/Johnson S: Shook Opp: Nwanebu L: McCoy DS: Zelon That lineup would have a lot of talent on the sideline
|
|
|
Post by sunsuphornsup on Sept 18, 2015 11:12:44 GMT -5
I read elsewhere that Ebony is out until November. Are they just being cautious with her back and letting her slowly rehab and strengthen? A vertebral fracture would've healed by now, but I imagine there's a bunch of soft tissue damage as well. I cringe just thinking about it. Wishing her the best. Where did you read this? According to media reports the injury is a foot one, not a back injury.
|
|
|
Post by rainbowbadger on Sept 18, 2015 12:37:35 GMT -5
I read elsewhere that Ebony is out until November. Are they just being cautious with her back and letting her slowly rehab and strengthen? A vertebral fracture would've healed by now, but I imagine there's a bunch of soft tissue damage as well. I cringe just thinking about it. Wishing her the best. Where did you read this? According to media reports the injury is a foot one, not a back injury. Read here that she's out 'til November and assumed it was her back, though I read that she was also playing on blisters in the Nebraska match - OUCH! volleytalk.proboards.com/post/1343474/thread
|
|