|
Post by newbeach on Jul 7, 2021 20:13:25 GMT -5
I don’t know if the McNamaras will ever be an elite FIVB team, but they’ve greatly exceeded my expectations and are on the cusp of being a consistent main draw team. Aside from one year of Claes/Hughes, no other NCAA pairing has been able to translate their college success to the international pro level. Still think they’d be better off breaking up and becoming full time defenders, but they’ve made it work pretty well split blocking and are a lot of fun to watch. There are not enough high-quality blockers in Canada right now available to pair up with each of them. After Pavan and Brandie... Nobody seems ready to play blocker at this level. I think they will keep making it work together for a while - and like you, I'm happy to watch! I would still think Poletto or Dormann could be good options for them (if they ever get used to playing with other players). Both are improving. I know Maglio has plans of returning to the beach after her indoor career (not sure how long that will be, but I am guessing not until after Paris 2024) and she is good friends with the McNamaras (they played indoor club when they were U18). I would love to see her pair with one of the twins eventually. Monkhouse could be another option down the road, but she is probably better off playing as a defender herself? The twins don't want to live in Toronto either, so that probably means they will stay together, at least for awhile and try to make a go of it. If it doesn't go, I could see Maglio with one of them (also a BC girl as well) for 2028, unless some of the college players materialize...there are a few blockers that could possibly be options. I can see Brandie and Melissa partnering up after the Olympics. If Sarah wants to continue playing until 2024, maybe one of the twins would pair with her? If she asked, they might consider it?
|
|
|
Post by tamz on Jul 7, 2021 20:58:37 GMT -5
Isn’t the Canadian BV training center in Toronto?
|
|
|
Post by tamz on Jul 7, 2021 20:59:23 GMT -5
😱 and this isn’t even Spain 1. They just haven't been right ever since their coach supposedly quit. It feels like something else is going on too as they just don't seem in sync. Nevertheless, they still made 4 semifinals out of 6 so far….
|
|
|
Post by ajm on Jul 7, 2021 21:24:44 GMT -5
They just haven't been right ever since their coach supposedly quit. It feels like something else is going on too as they just don't seem in sync. Nevertheless, they still made 4 semifinals out of 6 so far…. This. They might not be as dominant as we’d like, but even in 2021 the most consistently good teams have still been Agatha/Duda, ATeam, and MHPavan.
|
|
|
Post by southbay11 on Jul 7, 2021 21:43:07 GMT -5
Isn’t the Canadian BV training center in Toronto? Seems it’s Hermosa Beach and Ipanema. Lol
|
|
|
Post by newbeach on Jul 7, 2021 22:15:35 GMT -5
Isn’t the Canadian BV training center in Toronto? Yes. The twins and another BC player Devon May moved back to BC and will train on the West Coast instead.
|
|
|
Post by tamz on Jul 7, 2021 23:15:10 GMT -5
Nevertheless, they still made 4 semifinals out of 6 so far…. This. They might not be as dominant as we’d like, but even in 2021 the most consistently good teams have still been Agatha/Duda, ATeam, and MHPavan. I’ll add Slaes to the list if they do well in Gstaad 😌
|
|
|
Post by tamz on Jul 8, 2021 7:02:23 GMT -5
Two blocks from Spain to close out the match. Day/Hughes takes a 25th despite reaching match point first in the third set.
Whiggle lost in 3 to Stockolinske so there’s only two USA teams left heading to the Round of 24. Slaes lost 14-16 in Set 3 to Barbara/Carol.
Latvia beat Australia in tiebreak.
|
|
|
Post by bumpsetsonly on Jul 8, 2021 7:04:02 GMT -5
Melissa and Sarah in a 3rd set against NED to make it out of pool
|
|
|
Post by tamz on Jul 8, 2021 7:15:48 GMT -5
MHPavs win again in tiebreak against Schoon/Stam for the third time in a row.
|
|
|
Post by KO7 on Jul 8, 2021 9:34:49 GMT -5
McNamara twins beat Greece to make it out of their pool 😬.
|
|
|
Post by tamz on Jul 8, 2021 9:59:47 GMT -5
Round of 24: Slaes vs Lehtonen/Ahtiainen Stockolinske vs AP/Rebecca MHPavs vs Tillman/Laboreur BranBan vs Lili/Elsa
If Slaes win then vs Latvia If Stockolinske win then vs Keizer/Meppelink If MHPavs win then Kozuch/Ludwig If BranBan win then Joanouk
|
|
|
Post by beachcomber on Jul 8, 2021 10:02:23 GMT -5
There are not enough high-quality blockers in Canada right now available to pair up with each of them. After Pavan and Brandie... Nobody seems ready to play blocker at this level. I think they will keep making it work together for a while - and like you, I'm happy to watch! What happens if Barnsley retires after the Olympics though? Interesting question. Have to wonder how long Pavan will keep going, too, but I think it's a bit early for this discussion. When it does happen, they will all be fighting to play with Brandie! I think Sophie Bukovec is still a big to watch. Former U19 world champ, NCAA champ at USC. It hasn't happened for her yet at this level, but still time. Maybe with the right partner fit...
|
|
|
Post by trianglevolleyball on Jul 8, 2021 10:25:08 GMT -5
The potential battle between Slaes and Latvia will be fun because it’ll happen again at the Olympics. Only three NCAA players in the field as well.
|
|
|
Post by southbay11 on Jul 8, 2021 10:35:30 GMT -5
The potential battle between Slaes and Latvia will be fun because it’ll happen again at the Olympics. Only three NCAA players in the field as well. I’ve watched them play enough times in practice. Slaes in a walk in this match. Just saying…. If I’m a betting man. Give the points and take Slaes. lol
|
|