Post by txnut on Dec 9, 2018 5:31:18 GMT -5
The 2018 Texas Volleyball season is officially over after a regional final loss for the second straight year, this time at the hands of BYU.
There were a wide a wide range of expectations before the season and for most Texas probably met them, but for a program with lofty expectations, missing out on the final four may have some sting. However, Texas was able to once again win (run away with) the Big 12 title and has now been to a remarkable 13 straight regional finals. It is now time to bid farewell to Morgan Johnson and Yaazie Bedart-Ghani. Thanks for being selfless team players and creating some great memories.
Looking at 2019, Texas will be looking to build upon what was a relative young squad the year prior. Texas loses two starters in MB Morgan and RS Yaazie. Texas also will be without Katarina Luketic, who had already left the program prior to the completion of the 2018 season. So that leaves us with the following returners:
OH/Opp
Micaya White (RS Sr)
Logan Eggleston (So)
MB
Orie Agbaji (Sr)
Blair Westerlund (Jr) (Medically retired)
Brionne Butler (RS So)
Asjia O'Neal (RS Fr)
S
Riley Fisbeck (Sr)
Ashley Shook (Jr)
Jhenna Gabriel (So)
DS/L
Claire Hahn (Sr)
Autumn Rounsaville (Sr)
Sydney Peterson
Texas welcomes two new players in OH Skylar Fields (Senior Aces #1 player) and MB (utility) Molly Phillips (Senior Aces #16 player). Both have gained experience on the US Jr National team prior to their arrival.
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Once again there are a few question marks. Lets start with replacing personnel losses. Texas will be looking to fill holes in MB1 and RS.
It seems that the MB hole will likely be filled by O'Neal whom redshirted in '18. Texas does have Agbaji in the wings but she was getting RS reps this pass year so likely not. Westerlund reinjured her knee so her being able to play is doubtful. Newcomer Phillips could stand a chance but would have to be very impressive to not be head down the road of having a redshirt year which has now become a MB tradition.
Texas will also need a new RS due to Yaazie's departure and Luketic leaving the team. This may be more of a question mark than MB. There are a few options that include possible moving Eggleston over as she seems very comfortable hitting on the right. Also incoming Fields could also land there. This of course is assuming that Agbaji doesn't break out and take it as she had been practicing the position in '18.
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Next is the question of who is going to set. This will likely bring some lively discussion. Gabriel replaced Shook as the starting setter late in '18. Gabriel is was more consistent with her set location and was able to chase down balls that went awry when compared to Shook. Shook however is a good blocker while Gabriel is likely a liability due to her height. Will Texas continue to roll with Gabriel or can Shook regain her starting role? Does Shook look for playing time elsewhere (Not trying to start rumors and it would be nice if those could be avoided)? Texas also has an open scholarship, could they pursue a transfer setter (Is there a talented one on the transfer market?)? This may be the biggest piece of the puzzle for '19.
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Other random thoughts
Texas returns a lot of key pieces and production from a pretty talented squad. Texas is loaded on the pins but once again may lack depth. The freshmen will have a whole off-season to get stronger and improve. Butler seems to still be scratching the surface of her potential. What strides will she make?
Texas serving still needs to improve. It did get better as the season progressed in '18 but still is highly inconsistent. White obviously has the biggest room for improvement.
Passing was much improved in '18 but still had some lapses. White definitely seemed to make major strides. Petersen was solid as freshman libero. Many will be wondering if Logan will develop in to a 6 rotation player. Texas seemed pretty weak in floor defense so that will definitely be an area that can use some work.
Texas likely has an unfilled scholarship due to the departure of Luketic. Will Texas elect to use it and find another player such as a transfer? If so, what position would they use it on?
Texas scheduled very tough in nonconference in '18 in an attempt to get one of those coveted top 4 seeds and just missed. Coach Elliott has talked about the struggle to bring solid teams to Austin so will be interesting to see what type of schedule Texas produces. They also had a very light schedule in regards to number of matches. Do they increase the number or keep it about the same?
In any case, I think 2019 could be a another big year as Texas gets a little more experienced.
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As we wait for an official schedule, I'll put confirmed teams and dates determined from other team's releases.
8/30 Northern Iowa
9/4 Minnesota
10/9 @kansas St
11/13 Kansas St
11/30 @ Iowa St
There were a wide a wide range of expectations before the season and for most Texas probably met them, but for a program with lofty expectations, missing out on the final four may have some sting. However, Texas was able to once again win (run away with) the Big 12 title and has now been to a remarkable 13 straight regional finals. It is now time to bid farewell to Morgan Johnson and Yaazie Bedart-Ghani. Thanks for being selfless team players and creating some great memories.
Looking at 2019, Texas will be looking to build upon what was a relative young squad the year prior. Texas loses two starters in MB Morgan and RS Yaazie. Texas also will be without Katarina Luketic, who had already left the program prior to the completion of the 2018 season. So that leaves us with the following returners:
OH/Opp
Micaya White (RS Sr)
Logan Eggleston (So)
MB
Orie Agbaji (Sr)
Brionne Butler (RS So)
Asjia O'Neal (RS Fr)
S
Riley Fisbeck (Sr)
Ashley Shook (Jr)
Jhenna Gabriel (So)
DS/L
Claire Hahn (Sr)
Autumn Rounsaville (Sr)
Sydney Peterson
Texas welcomes two new players in OH Skylar Fields (Senior Aces #1 player) and MB (utility) Molly Phillips (Senior Aces #16 player). Both have gained experience on the US Jr National team prior to their arrival.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Once again there are a few question marks. Lets start with replacing personnel losses. Texas will be looking to fill holes in MB1 and RS.
It seems that the MB hole will likely be filled by O'Neal whom redshirted in '18. Texas does have Agbaji in the wings but she was getting RS reps this pass year so likely not. Westerlund reinjured her knee so her being able to play is doubtful. Newcomer Phillips could stand a chance but would have to be very impressive to not be head down the road of having a redshirt year which has now become a MB tradition.
Texas will also need a new RS due to Yaazie's departure and Luketic leaving the team. This may be more of a question mark than MB. There are a few options that include possible moving Eggleston over as she seems very comfortable hitting on the right. Also incoming Fields could also land there. This of course is assuming that Agbaji doesn't break out and take it as she had been practicing the position in '18.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Next is the question of who is going to set. This will likely bring some lively discussion. Gabriel replaced Shook as the starting setter late in '18. Gabriel is was more consistent with her set location and was able to chase down balls that went awry when compared to Shook. Shook however is a good blocker while Gabriel is likely a liability due to her height. Will Texas continue to roll with Gabriel or can Shook regain her starting role? Does Shook look for playing time elsewhere (Not trying to start rumors and it would be nice if those could be avoided)? Texas also has an open scholarship, could they pursue a transfer setter (Is there a talented one on the transfer market?)? This may be the biggest piece of the puzzle for '19.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other random thoughts
Texas returns a lot of key pieces and production from a pretty talented squad. Texas is loaded on the pins but once again may lack depth. The freshmen will have a whole off-season to get stronger and improve. Butler seems to still be scratching the surface of her potential. What strides will she make?
Texas serving still needs to improve. It did get better as the season progressed in '18 but still is highly inconsistent. White obviously has the biggest room for improvement.
Passing was much improved in '18 but still had some lapses. White definitely seemed to make major strides. Petersen was solid as freshman libero. Many will be wondering if Logan will develop in to a 6 rotation player. Texas seemed pretty weak in floor defense so that will definitely be an area that can use some work.
Texas likely has an unfilled scholarship due to the departure of Luketic. Will Texas elect to use it and find another player such as a transfer? If so, what position would they use it on?
Texas scheduled very tough in nonconference in '18 in an attempt to get one of those coveted top 4 seeds and just missed. Coach Elliott has talked about the struggle to bring solid teams to Austin so will be interesting to see what type of schedule Texas produces. They also had a very light schedule in regards to number of matches. Do they increase the number or keep it about the same?
In any case, I think 2019 could be a another big year as Texas gets a little more experienced.
*******************************************************************************
As we wait for an official schedule, I'll put confirmed teams and dates determined from other team's releases.
8/30 Northern Iowa
9/4 Minnesota
10/9 @kansas St
11/13 Kansas St
11/30 @ Iowa St