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Post by zero-rotation outside hitter on Nov 11, 2023 9:48:15 GMT -5
Minnesota needs a pair of hands that can dish a ball to the hitters in a good, consistent way. It hasn't happened since 2019. If Mel's location is good, it's not for long. If she's consistent, it's consistently subpar. I don't think Stella has to be a shining star to get this program back in the top 25. She just needs to get the ball to her hitters better than Mel does. I think she already does in high school. If we are being honest with ourselves, this team is just not good. We have all made excuses as to why they aren’t performing. And yes, set locations is a HUGE part in that. But all around, MN is struggling at: defense, serve receive, blocking, setting, and offense (as of tonight). All around, really really disappointing season. However, I do think Stella will make a huge difference. But first, she needs good passes. And no matter the setting, we need middle blockers who can stop offensive weapons on the other side of the net. Let’s pray for some portal additions this off season. Isn't it kind of wild how much worse this team is than last year? What are the differences? 1. Grote replaces Wenaas on the right. Feels like it should be a gain. Yes, Jenna was playing six, but as far as hitting, I'd pick Grote. 2. Wucherer playing six. This is a BIG one IMO. Lack of a DS for her back there, last year it was Kilkelly. Rachel frustrated the hell out of me at times, but look how far we've fallen that I'd LOVE to see her back there for McKenna again. I'm glad to see Keegan at least try a DS in the back row all around again (albeit not for Wucherer)...on November 10th. Too little too late?? Maybe Zeynep wasn't ready. Hard to believe. 3. Booth to Wisconsin. This has truly turned into an enormous loss. Big. Huge. Booth could terminate on the slide, in the middle, and was a good blocker he already improved leaps and bounds in her freshman season. 4. Murr replaces McGraw. A downgrade a bit on passing, a slight step up in "keeping balls up" or getting some of those spectacular digs. Overall a wash? 5. No pipe. I thought it was a great option with Landfair, and they should've been able to correct her stepping over the line. Also a lost opportunity for Wucherer to do the same. What a waste. All the players that returned should be better than last year after more experience. Sadly, I don't think Shaffmaster's location is better. The team is at its ceiling in that regard, I'm afraid. Landfair is tepid too often. All this said, with the caliber of individual players the team does have, the fact that the coaching staff hasn't been able to assemble a lineup that can beat a single team inside the top 20 after Sep 8 is a failure in my eyes. Like, it's disturbing to me. I concede Cook likely has reasons I don't understand, ones that may even end up serving the Gophers better in the long run. But right now, it's very difficult for me to see. It might not be that complicated though. Keegan might just be making bad decisions, which may (deservedly) leave MN out the NCAA bracket come tourney time. And put him in the warm seat.
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Post by zero-rotation outside hitter on Nov 11, 2023 9:54:07 GMT -5
This might be the most likely scenario, actually. I've been convinced by other posters that the likelihood of Wucherer jumping ship is less than 50%, but it still wouldn't shock me. If her ultimate plan will be to stay, I can totally see how her demeanor is more borne out of how competitive she is and that she is very frustrated with herself, and might feel some responsibility for the team's uncharacteristic number of losses this year (as far as recent program history goes). I'm not suggesting that she's solely responsible, but I get the impression that Wucherer might take on more of that feeling on her own shoulders. She recognizes where she's not executing, and it really bothers her. Yeah I think calling her unhappy is a stretch. I just get the vibe that she’s frustrated and hard on herself in a way that she would never be on her teammates. I think she’s highly competitive and determined. Just maybe not so great at leaving the last point in the rear view mirror. Would love to see her improve on that next year (and this year) as a Gopher. Let's be clear: No one can say that Wucherer "is" unhappy. Folks are commenting on her behavior and naturally deducing the possibility that she's unhappy. The same way someone might decuce that she's "frustrated" instead of "unhappy." To extend her frustrations or unhappiness with her play to the possibility that she might leave is not at all gratuitous. I think it just makes some uncomfortable because we don't want her to go.
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Post by skolgophers on Nov 11, 2023 10:08:49 GMT -5
If we are being honest with ourselves, this team is just not good. We have all made excuses as to why they aren’t performing. And yes, set locations is a HUGE part in that. But all around, MN is struggling at: defense, serve receive, blocking, setting, and offense (as of tonight). All around, really really disappointing season. However, I do think Stella will make a huge difference. But first, she needs good passes. And no matter the setting, we need middle blockers who can stop offensive weapons on the other side of the net. Let’s pray for some portal additions this off season. Isn't it kind of wild how much worse this team is than last year? What are the differences? 1. Grote replaces Wenaas on the right. Feels like it should be a gain. Yes, Jenna was playing six, but as far as hitting, I'd pick Grote. 2. Wucherer playing six. This is a BIG one IMO. Lack of a DS for her back there, last year it was Kilkelly. Rachel frustrated the hell out of me at times, but look how far we've fallen that I'd LOVE to see her back there for McKenna again. I'm glad to see Keegan at least try a DS in the back row all around again (albeit not for Wucherer)...on November 10th. Too little too late?? Maybe Zeynep wasn't ready. Hard to believe. 3. Booth to Wisconsin. This has truly turned into an enormous loss. Big. Huge. Booth could terminate on the slide, in the middle, and was a good blocker he already improved leaps and bounds in her freshman season. 4. Murr replaces McGraw. A downgrade a bit on passing, a slight step up in "keeping balls up" or getting some of those spectacular digs. Overall a wash? 5. No pipe. I thought it was a great option with Landfair, and they should've been able to correct her stepping over the line. Also a lost opportunity for Wucherer to do the same. What a waste. All the players that returned should be better than last year after more experience. Sadly, I don't think Shaffmaster's location is better. The team is at its ceiling in that regard, I'm afraid. Landfair is tepid too often. All this said, with the caliber of individual players the team does have, the fact that the coaching staff hasn't been able to assemble a lineup that can beat a single team inside the top 20 after Sep 8 is a failure in my eyes. Like, it's disturbing to me. I concede Cook likely has reasons I don't understand, ones that may even end up serving the Gophers better in the long run. But right now, it's very difficult for me to see. It might not be that complicated though. Keegan might just be making bad decisions, which may (deservedly) leave MN out the NCAA bracket come tourney time. And put him in the warm seat. I’ve had the same thoughts as you in terms of who we lost and who replaced them. I really don’t know what the problem is with our pins. They seem to be so hot and cold this year. Hot take: I don’t think this season is Cooks fault. He has made questionable decisions during matches, yes. But who does he have on the bench to replace our starters when they are crapping the bed? He doesn’t have the depth or talent on his bench. Hugh’s recruiting was questionable. Yeah, he probably expected Booth to stay, but even so, why only recruit one other middle with Minatee? I am excited to see what kind of team Cook can put together and don’t want to see him leave. Another turnover in the head coach department will sink this program.
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Post by skolgophers on Nov 11, 2023 10:29:29 GMT -5
Does anyone know if you can stream the state tourney matches today?
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Post by minnley on Nov 11, 2023 11:37:27 GMT -5
Pie chart of blame for this yuck of a season. 40% players 40% coaches 19.99% last years coaches 0.01% fan's expectations
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Post by mnvb56 on Nov 11, 2023 12:59:13 GMT -5
Does anyone know if you stream the state tourney matches today? The only way is through this service, for a $10 fee (that’s for one month): link
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Post by gopherhim on Nov 11, 2023 13:23:55 GMT -5
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Post by genej101 on Nov 11, 2023 15:12:24 GMT -5
So this season's shot, so let's talk future. This needs to be Stella's team. I love Shaff for her all-around game and spirit, but it's not working. I'd like to see Landfair, Awoleye, Grote, Z, Crowl, and Wookie back next year. Also Schnichels and Minatee as they are young and unproven. Shaff as well in a leadership role. We need an imposing blocker and a stud libero (to replace Murr). And in a perfect world we'd have a coach who's an expert on blocking. We need middles bigger than what we’ve got. No team goes far without big, mobile middles. That should be Cook’s top priority in recruiting and the portal. Losing Booth was a huge blow, this would be a much different team if we still had her. Huisman should have stayed, she would have started this year.
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Post by genej101 on Nov 11, 2023 15:14:35 GMT -5
Minnesota needs a pair of hands that can dish a ball to the hitters in a good, consistent way. It hasn't happened since 2019. If Mel's location is good, it's not for long. If she's consistent, it's consistently subpar. I don't think Stella has to be a shining star to get this program back in the top 25. She just needs to get the ball to her hitters better than Mel does. I think she already does in high school. If we are being honest with ourselves, this team is just not good. We have all made excuses as to why they aren’t performing. And yes, set locations is a HUGE part in that. But all around, MN is struggling at: defense, serve receive, blocking, setting, and offense (as of tonight). All around, really really disappointing season. However, I do think Stella will make a huge difference. But first, she needs good passes. And no matter the setting, we need middle blockers who can stop offensive weapons on the other side of the net. Let’s pray for some portal additions this off season. The only really superior player on this team, this year, is Kylie Murr. Sad but true.
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Post by genej101 on Nov 11, 2023 15:27:36 GMT -5
Isn't it kind of wild how much worse this team is than last year? What are the differences? 1. Grote replaces Wenaas on the right. Feels like it should be a gain. Yes, Jenna was playing six, but as far as hitting, I'd pick Grote. 2. Wucherer playing six. This is a BIG one IMO. Lack of a DS for her back there, last year it was Kilkelly. Rachel frustrated the hell out of me at times, but look how far we've fallen that I'd LOVE to see her back there for McKenna again. I'm glad to see Keegan at least try a DS in the back row all around again (albeit not for Wucherer)...on November 10th. Too little too late?? Maybe Zeynep wasn't ready. Hard to believe. 3. Booth to Wisconsin. This has truly turned into an enormous loss. Big. Huge. Booth could terminate on the slide, in the middle, and was a good blocker he already improved leaps and bounds in her freshman season. 4. Murr replaces McGraw. A downgrade a bit on passing, a slight step up in "keeping balls up" or getting some of those spectacular digs. Overall a wash? 5. No pipe. I thought it was a great option with Landfair, and they should've been able to correct her stepping over the line. Also a lost opportunity for Wucherer to do the same. What a waste. All the players that returned should be better than last year after more experience. Sadly, I don't think Shaffmaster's location is better. The team is at its ceiling in that regard, I'm afraid. Landfair is tepid too often. All this said, with the caliber of individual players the team does have, the fact that the coaching staff hasn't been able to assemble a lineup that can beat a single team inside the top 20 after Sep 8 is a failure in my eyes. Like, it's disturbing to me. I concede Cook likely has reasons I don't understand, ones that may even end up serving the Gophers better in the long run. But right now, it's very difficult for me to see. It might not be that complicated though. Keegan might just be making bad decisions, which may (deservedly) leave MN out the NCAA bracket come tourney time. And put him in the warm seat. I’ve had the same thoughts as you in terms of who we lost and who replaced them. I really don’t know what the problem is with our pins. They seem to be so hot and cold this year. Hot take: I don’t think this season is Cooks fault. He has made questionable decisions during matches, yes. But who does he have on the bench to replace our starters when they are crapping the bed? He doesn’t have the depth or talent on his bench. Hugh’s recruiting was questionable. Yeah, he probably expected Booth to stay, but even so, why only recruit one other middle with Minatee? I am excited to see what kind of team Cook can put together and don’t want to see him leave. Another turnover in the head coach department will sink this program. Bench is a problem. But NOT using next year’s libero as a DS is on Cook. Taylor is not effective back row, cannot receive nor dig, McKenna is not playing to national team standards back row either, too often hits into a block, can’t tool, one dimensional, all power all the time. Had Hugh stayed Choboy would be here as well as Booth, a very different team with those two. Keegan has yet to show he can recruit here, that didn’t get easier with the four west coast programs coming in next year. Whether he’s the right coach (I wanted a dynamic, young female coach personally) remains to be seen. I do not understand his lineups even with the paucity of talent on the bench.
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Post by gopherfan90 on Nov 12, 2023 1:32:59 GMT -5
Wayzata swept New Prague to 4 peat and stay undefeated. Very close match and New Prague had set point in the third.
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Post by mcmike on Nov 12, 2023 2:50:44 GMT -5
And why do you think she won’t be? there's usually about 1 freshman setter each year that considered really good. its maybe the most difficult position to be great in college right away. elite freshman setters are just so rare, even amongst the highest recruited ones there's usually only 1 maybe 2 capable of running a top 10 team Bergen Reilly Neb H% .288 with Beason, Murray, Allick, Jackson, Krause, Batenhorst Taylor Anderson Pur H% .274 with Chicoine, Hudson, Colvin Mia Tuman OSU with Londot & Rader and not much more Ella Swindle TX H% .275 Alexis Stucky FLA last year There are probably other freshman setters
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Post by mcmike on Nov 12, 2023 3:05:59 GMT -5
Don't think I've posted on this thread before. Has anyone suggested that if Crowl learns to be more terminal that Grote shift to play MB? She has the height and can be a natural slide attacker I don't know if Phoebe has a 5th year eligibility with MN, but she is a natural blocker to front the opponent's OH1 and we don't know what kind of attacker she might be. The data set is small and the sets she receives are often difficult to attack with.
count me in as a vote to give Ms Swenson the setting reins.
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Post by GoGophs on Nov 12, 2023 8:48:47 GMT -5
Don't think I've posted on this thread before. Has anyone suggested that if Crowl learns to be more terminal that Grote shift to play MB? She has the height and can be a natural slide attacker I don't know if Phoebe has a 5th year eligibility with MN, but she is a natural blocker to front the opponent's OH1 and we don't know what kind of attacker she might be. The data set is small and the sets she receives are often difficult to attack with. count me in as a vote to give Ms Swenson the setting reins. Grote was hitting off of one foot on the right side at the Purdue match and was doing pretty well with it so you could be on to something there. The blocking part concerns me though and we NEED a better block in the middle right now. It wouldn’t surprise me to see some shifting between now and next season though… And according to the post when Awoleye transferred in, she has a 5th year available and will be using it at MN.
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Post by bounce22 on Nov 12, 2023 9:26:14 GMT -5
Haven’t followed much of The Gophers this year … appears it’s been a struggle. So question is I guess … if you are a top high school player and want to win, why do you come to Minnesota? If you are already here and want to win, why do you stay? Not trying to be gloom and doom but aren’t those the two pressing questions for this coaching staff?
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