|
|
Post by Gorf on Nov 28, 2004 9:24:33 GMT -5
Wisonsin gets a lot of talented recruits each year, however, their serve receive and defense have been very inconsistent over the past few years.
If they can correct those issues they may well contend for the conference title again.
If they don't fix those issues then they will be in the mix of teams of the 2nd tier.
At this point I'm not sure how strong I think the Gophers will be next season. With Montano added to the mix the loss of Marty, Tree and Rhino will be mitigated somewhat, this year's starting middles (Byrnes and Nelson) continually improving, Marci also continues to get better each season. Jessy Jones is going to be a very strong player for the Gophers and 4 new recruits. They could be stronger next year than this year.
OTOH: It isn't a given with a large turnover in key team members that team chemistry will be at the same level overall next year.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 28, 2004 10:31:23 GMT -5
I love Rhino, but Montano would play all the way around. There's no need for the 2nd DS.
As for whether the Gophers will be as good or better, no one knows. I definitely think the potential is there--if Montano is the player everyone says she is.
|
|
|
|
Post by Gorf on Nov 28, 2004 10:40:32 GMT -5
[quote author= (R)uffda! link=board=general&thread=1101594376&start=76#5 date=1101655883]I love Rhino, but Montano would play all the way around. There's no need for the 2nd DS. As for whether the Gophers will be as good or better, no one knows. I definitely think the potential is there--if Montano is the player everyone says she is.[/quote] I think that's what I said.  |
|
|
|
Post by bucky415 on Nov 28, 2004 15:34:40 GMT -5
I think Wisconsin could contend for the Big Ten title next year, of course barring injuries or defections. I will be upset if they don't; I think that should be the goal for the Badgers every year. I guess it is good they didn't fall off the face of the earth with all the new players and a new setter for the first time in five years, but they have now won 14, 13, and 13 matches in the Big Ten the last three years. Okay, but not great for a program that won the title (outright or shared) three times in the five years before that with different core groups of players. Still, if it is going to happen, the Badgers have a lot of work to do in the offseason, focusing on 1) PASSING, 2)defense, and 3) serving tough and in bounds. Of course, it would help if Waite had recruited an outside who could pass instead of two more middles for next year. Maybe there just weren't a lot of players who fit that mold in this year's class or the ones who did went elsewhere. Of course, that means that the players coming back need to improve in PASSING and defense. Also, they need to learn how to focus and play well on the road. I am still upset about the loss to Purdue and the margins against OSU and Illinois.
As far as the rest of the teams, I don't think there is a team that will clearly be better, based on the players they are expected to return. PSU and Minnesota aren't going to drop too far, but I am not sure they will be better, as both lose key players. As far as the Gophers, can you really expect a freshman, no matter how talented, to be as good as Martin as a senior? Stacey Gordon was, but I can't think of anyone else. Bratford will also be a big loss, since she is definitely capable of dominating a match. Taatjes will be tough to replace as well. If they stay with the 6-2, the I am sure talented freshman setter coming in will have to learn how to adjust to it as well as to high level college volleyball. If not, they will have to find a right side hitter. In addition, I really didn't realize how good of a back row defender Taatjes is until earlier this season. Thus, while I am sure the Gophers will be a team with which to contend next year, it will remain to be seen if they can actually be better than they are this year (which is a pretty high standard)
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 28, 2004 15:43:16 GMT -5
Montano isn't a freshman, however. She is a JC transfer (the 2002 POY, by the way).
Gophers could drop off, sure. But most people thought they'd drop after losing Busse. I think they are a better team this year.
This is a solid core:
Nelson, Jones and Byrnes as middles
Penita as DS
Gentil as libero
KBow back as setter
Hartmann would only have to play back row as a setter in a 6-2, although she has the potential to play all around.
Montano and Roehrig would make nice OHs.
Add Mallakis, Jackson, Vatterrodt, Schmidt, Fallon to the bench.
I dunno. Looks pretty good to me.
|
|
|
|
Post by bucky415 on Nov 28, 2004 16:03:24 GMT -5
I am glad that Montano is a JUCO transfer; if she is really good, that means she will at least have less time to torture Wisconsin while at Minnesota. Also, if I didn't make it clear, I am not saying the Gophers won't be good next year. I am just saying that it will be hard for them to be better than a team that is currently fifth in the country with all the players they will be losing. And, to be honest, you have a good point about this year's team. They have been able to get better after losing a great player, which says a lot about the program.
One team that might be a threat as well next year is Illinois. They would have to improve a lot from 11 wins to title contention, but they have a lot of talent coming back. The major concern would be who is going to play back row for them, with Harks and Bazzetta graduating.
|
|
|
|
Post by BOTE on Nov 28, 2004 16:36:57 GMT -5
Big Ten as a whole will be stronger next year with another crop of outstanding Freshman showing up in the fall. There will be some question marks with prime time players leaving at Ohio State, Minnesota, Michigan State, and Wisconsin. Purdue will be strong as they return most, OSU has a good crop coming back as does Michigan and Wisconsin. Best 05 recruiting class in the Big 10 appears to be Penn State followed by Minnesota.
When all things get filtered out it looks like PSU as Sam T
and Walters return for their senior years. These two have played a huge part in keeping the Lions on top for the past two years, with Salyer, Walbridge, Holm and Price returning along with Fawcet(OH), Holloway (OH) and Harmato (M) coming in 05 Sam is going to have some BIG swingers to set next year. Things look really good for a very strong offensive team next year. Only question will be defense after Walters as Eschelman and Nadeau have played a big role this year but defense has always beena Rose trademark so somebody should fill those roles. Minnesota will also be just as strong on defense next year as they have been this year, scarry thought. I look for them to go with a 5-1 as Bowman is a quality setter. Jones will fill in Nicely at middle and their recruiting class comes in just behind PSU. Thing Ohio State will really miss the30+ kills a game from Gordon so I look for a Wisconsin, Illinois or Purdue to fill inthe 3rd spot.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 28, 2004 16:41:29 GMT -5
It would be very tough for the Gophers to give up KBow's hitting and go to a 5-1. I bet they take a long, hard look at Rachel Hartmann and a 6-2 before they go that route.
PSU has to be the favorite.
I look for MSU to bounce back one of these years, too...
|
|
