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NAIA 2022
Nov 16, 2021 23:12:13 GMT -5
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Post by Dakota on Nov 16, 2021 23:12:13 GMT -5
Somehow we’re a little over a month away from first serve and from what these Fall results look like, we won’t be short on top-15 teams. This could be one dandy of a year!
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Post by lineshot2016 on Nov 17, 2021 11:03:51 GMT -5
At this point I am pretty far removed from the NAIA scene, who is going to be good this year? I figure Grandview, Park, Benedictine Mesa. Mobap is usually competitive. Is Vanguard good? St. Xavier? Lourdes?
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Post by Dakota on Nov 17, 2021 14:27:40 GMT -5
Grand View lost a lot. Several starters, most importantly Chapman, are gone. Losing Donan will likely hurt that program a good amount. I'd imagine they'll be good but I'd be surprised to see them win that conference. Benedictine Mesa finished Runner-Up last year and return a good core, but I expect Vanguard to be the team to beat. Kyle Anema is the most likely NPOY and they've got some other great options and one of the best setters in the country. Beyond that, Missouri Valley and Park should be good again - Park would be the best bet to challenge Vanguard or Benedictine Mesa. Saint Xavier, Indiana Tech, and Lourdes should all be pretty good again - especially if Lourdes has Lamm back for a Covid season. The Mid-South is anyone's guess. Georgetown and Campbellsville will probably be solid. All that said, NAIA just takes one or two unknown international studs to turn the tide your way so don't be surprised to see someone jump up out of nowhere.
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Post by fandad on Nov 17, 2021 16:16:58 GMT -5
I know it's easy to do considering they chose to sit it out last year, but let's not forget Menlo. They return practically everyone from the team that was at or near the top of the polls in 2020 prior to the season being cut short. That includes Ibrahimovic, who may be the best player in NAIA. They have also added a lot of depth. It should be fun watching them fight it out with Vanguard for the GSAC title. Menlo also has an early tri-match with BenU-Mesa and UC Merced that will tell us a lot.
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NAIA 2022
Nov 17, 2021 19:22:10 GMT -5
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Post by beachbum86 on Nov 17, 2021 19:22:10 GMT -5
I know it's easy to do considering they chose to sit it out last year, but let's not forget Menlo. They return practically everyone from the team that was at or near the top of the polls in 2020 prior to the season being cut short. That includes Ibrahimovic, who may be the best player in NAIA. They have also added a lot of depth. It should be fun watching them fight it out with Vanguard for the GSAC title. Menlo also has an early tri-match with BenU-Mesa and UC Merced that will tell us a lot. Menlo has had a strong preseason so far. They just won Stanford’s tournament pretty easily beating SportConX (VLA) and Stanford. Imo they are early contenders for a championship run. Their setter was also a freshman in 2020 when they were as good as they were. They look better than a lot of D1 teams this fall.
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Post by Dakota on Nov 18, 2021 11:44:28 GMT -5
I did not mean to forget Menlo. They are definitely in that top 3-4 range and HUNGRY.
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NAIA 2022
Nov 27, 2021 10:56:04 GMT -5
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Post by WildwoodVB on Nov 27, 2021 10:56:04 GMT -5
I’m hearing The Masters may have a drastic upturn in their level of play. I’m also curious if we’ll see any shifts in the Chicagoland or if it will remain St Xavier and the Pips.
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Post by midwestbeachbum on Nov 28, 2021 20:55:28 GMT -5
If Menlo is doing so well now, hopefully they get the chance to showcase that with a match or two against the MSPF/Big West this season
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Post by formeruscgoalie on Nov 29, 2021 1:03:17 GMT -5
If Menlo is doing so well now, hopefully they get the chance to showcase that with a match or two against the MSPF/Big West this season Menlo plays at Stanford on February 11 and at USC on March 18, so that will give them a couple of showcase matches!
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Post by Deleted on Nov 30, 2021 20:09:38 GMT -5
The NAIA is going to be pretty wide open this year, and I don't think we have a clear favorite, like we have had the last couple of years with Grand View. I’ll take a stab at each conference though, and how I think they end up. Like last year, you have eight automatic bids, and only four at-large bids for the 12 team tournament.
My top 10: 1. Park 2. BenU 3. Menlo 4. Vanguard 5. Lourdes 6. Grand View 7. Jamestown 8. Campbellsville 9. Indiana Tech 10. St. Xavier
California Pacific Conference It is BenU and then the rest. UC Merced could be decent, but I don’t think they are in the same class as BenU, who return a good group from their national runner-up from last year. Everyone is basically returning, except Henige, who was a big part of that team, but I think they still come out as a favorite to win it all.
Benedictine - Mesa UC Merced Park - Gilbert Westcliff Saint Katherine Simpson Pacific Union
Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference Similar to the Cal Pac, it is St. Xavier, and then the rest of the field. They were the class of the conference last season, and should be the same this year. I think both Ooms brothers return, but they need to replace AA setter, Kummer.
St. Xavier Trinity Christian Cardinal Stritch St. Ambrose Olivet Nazarene Judson Viterbo Lincoln Roosevelt Calumet St. Joseph
Golden State Athletic Conference This conference is on par with the Heart as the best in the country top to bottom. Vanguard was good last year, but Menlo would have been better, had they played. I think they are better this year as well, even with Vanguard returning their whole team. Anema at Vanguard and Ibrahimovic for Menlo will contend for national player of the year honors. Don’t sleep on Ottawa though, as they should have made the tournament last season, and they have some talent coming in. Master’s also will be much improved, as Diego Perez (Pepperdine xfer) will be the best passing/defensive OH in the country.
Menlo Vanguard Ottawa The Master's Hope International Arizona Christian
Great Plains Athletic Conference Jamestown will not feel any pain with Salmon leaving, as everyone returns for them, and they were pretty strong last year. They are national contenders for me. Ottawa is the only team I could see maybe taking a set from Jamestown.
Jamestown Ottawa Dordt Morningside Kansas Wesleyan Central Christian
Heart of America Athletic Conference The heart is loaded again, and I think it is Park who are the favorites. They return pretty much everyone from a VERY good team last year. Grand View has a ton of talent returning, but losing Felix and Donan hurts them a lot. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them drop a random match to Mo Bap, Mo Val, and even Mount Mercy. I am very interested to see who is on the Mo Val roster, and that could change my opinion on them. They have a ton of turnover each year, so it could be a brand new team.
Park Grand View Missouri Baptist Missouri Valley Mount Mercy Graceland William Penn Culver-Stockton Clarke Health Sciences & Pharmacy
Mid-South Conference I cannot stand the fact that this conference gets two automatic bids, because it takes away from a team that will always be better than their number two team (personal opinion). I think Campbellsville is the team to beat, and Georgetown could give them a run at it. Outside of that, you may see an upset from Warner/Life/Webber, but they won’t be consistent enough to compete for the top spot.
Campbellsville Georgetown Warner Life Webber International Cumberland Reinhardt Midway St. Andrews Thomas More Bluefield Truett McConnell Rio Grande
Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference Outside of Lourdes and Indiana Tech, I don’t think anyone is going to be great. Lourdes is going to be very very good. They return Jeff Lam, probably the best server in the country, and then they add Warner’s best player, Ayala, as a solid OH2. I think they are a top 5 team if they can stay healthy, because they have no depth. Indiana Tech was good last year, and they will be good again. Not a national title contender, but probably will make the tournament again. Aquinas adds Boothroyd back to the team, but they were so inconsistent last year, but we will see who shows up for them.
Lourdes Indiana Tech Aquinas Goshen Siena Heights Mount Vernon Nazarene Cornerstone Lawrence Tech
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Post by WildwoodVB on Dec 3, 2021 10:58:25 GMT -5
The NAIA is going to be pretty wide open this year, and I don't think we have a clear favorite, like we have had the last couple of years with Grand View. I’ll take a stab at each conference though, and how I think they end up. Like last year, you have eight automatic bids, and only four at-large bids for the 12 team tournament. My top 10: 1. Park 2. BenU 3. Menlo 4. Vanguard 5. Lourdes 6. Grand View 7. Jamestown 8. Campbellsville 9. Indiana Tech 10. St. Xavier California Pacific ConferenceIt is BenU and then the rest. UC Merced could be decent, but I don’t think they are in the same class as BenU, who return a good group from their national runner-up from last year. Everyone is basically returning, except Henige, who was a big part of that team, but I think they still come out as a favorite to win it all. Benedictine - Mesa UC Merced Park - Gilbert Westcliff Saint Katherine Simpson Pacific Union Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic ConferenceSimilar to the Cal Pac, it is St. Xavier, and then the rest of the field. They were the class of the conference last season, and should be the same this year. I think both Ooms brothers return, but they need to replace AA setter, Kummer. St. Xavier Trinity Christian Cardinal Stritch St. Ambrose Olivet Nazarene Judson Viterbo Lincoln Roosevelt Calumet St. Joseph Golden State Athletic ConferenceThis conference is on par with the Heart as the best in the country top to bottom. Vanguard was good last year, but Menlo would have been better, had they played. I think they are better this year as well, even with Vanguard returning their whole team. Anema at Vanguard and Ibrahimovic for Menlo will contend for national player of the year honors. Don’t sleep on Ottawa though, as they should have made the tournament last season, and they have some talent coming in. Master’s also will be much improved, as Diego Perez (Pepperdine xfer) will be the best passing/defensive OH in the country. Menlo Vanguard Ottawa The Master's Hope International Arizona Christian Great Plains Athletic ConferenceJamestown will not feel any pain with Salmon leaving, as everyone returns for them, and they were pretty strong last year. They are national contenders for me. Ottawa is the only team I could see maybe taking a set from Jamestown. Jamestown Ottawa Dordt Morningside Kansas Wesleyan Central Christian Heart of America Athletic ConferenceThe heart is loaded again, and I think it is Park who are the favorites. They return pretty much everyone from a VERY good team last year. Grand View has a ton of talent returning, but losing Felix and Donan hurts them a lot. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them drop a random match to Mo Bap, Mo Val, and even Mount Mercy. I am very interested to see who is on the Mo Val roster, and that could change my opinion on them. They have a ton of turnover each year, so it could be a brand new team. Park Grand View Missouri Baptist Missouri Valley Mount Mercy Graceland William Penn Culver-Stockton Clarke Health Sciences & Pharmacy Mid-South ConferenceI cannot stand the fact that this conference gets two automatic bids, because it takes away from a team that will always be better than their number two team (personal opinion). I think Campbellsville is the team to beat, and Georgetown could give them a run at it. Outside of that, you may see an upset from Warner/Life/Webber, but they won’t be consistent enough to compete for the top spot. Campbellsville Georgetown Warner Life Webber International Cumberland Reinhardt Midway St. Andrews Thomas More Bluefield Truett McConnell Rio Grande Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic ConferenceOutside of Lourdes and Indiana Tech, I don’t think anyone is going to be great. Lourdes is going to be very very good. They return Jeff Lam, probably the best server in the country, and then they add Warner’s best player, Ayala, as a solid OH2. I think they are a top 5 team if they can stay healthy, because they have no depth. Indiana Tech was good last year, and they will be good again. Not a national title contender, but probably will make the tournament again. Aquinas adds Boothroyd back to the team, but they were so inconsistent last year, but we will see who shows up for them. Lourdes Indiana Tech Aquinas Goshen Siena Heights Mount Vernon Nazarene Cornerstone Lawrence Tech Awesome breakdown. I agree that there isn't a single favorite this season, which should make this fun. Park will be really good but so will Menlo, BenMesa, and Vanguard. I think that's the top tier. I see the merit for Lourdes there but depth worries me. Ten players on roster doesn't leave room for any misfortune, especially in the Lib, S, and OH positions (important ones). Beyond those 4/5, I think there are lot more teams worthy of the 6-15 range than we had last season. I think Grand View will still be strong. Jamestown is an unknown with the coaching and style change but they may be able to stay strong another year or two. It looks like Saint Xavier has both Ooms brothers back which makes them dangerous. Georgetown was bettr than I thought last year at the tournament and that was without their AA setter. I wouldn't be surprised to see GTown take Campbellsville's hold on the MidSouth (not that it matters, they do get 2 bids). I don't know a ton about the WHAC, but it appears Indiana Tech brings everyone back from last year which should put them in that 5-8 range, Aquinas bringing Boothroyd back alongside Armadano should help, Siena Heights adding Matos from Campbellsville (alongside the libero, another Campbellsville xfer) makes them intriguing. The only thing I'd change about the breakdown above, besides maybe moving Campbellsville down, is William Penn. The Lewis xfer, Krause will add a lot to what was already a good couple players - I wouldn't be surprised to see WPU climb up the Heart, somewhere around Missouri Valley.
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Post by nslot on Dec 3, 2021 16:15:15 GMT -5
Mid-South ConferenceI cannot stand the fact that this conference gets two automatic bids, because it takes away from a team that will always be better than their number two team (personal opinion). I think Campbellsville is the team to beat, and Georgetown could give them a run at it. Outside of that, you may see an upset from Warner/Life/Webber, but they won’t be consistent enough to compete for the top spot. Campbellsville Georgetown Warner Life Webber International Cumberland Reinhardt Midway St. Andrews Thomas More Bluefield Truett McConnell Rio Grande Well 2023 they won't but instead there will be a Appalachian Athletic Conference represented the southern school have already public said they are splitting meaning the conferences will look as followed AAC Warner Life Webber Reinhardt St Andrews Truett Bluefield Mid South Georgetown Campbellsville Cumberlands Midway Rio Grande Thomas More Plans to Go D2 and I think the Mid south will add St. Mary of the Woods to get to 6
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Post by WildwoodVB on Dec 5, 2021 16:31:02 GMT -5
Mid-South ConferenceI cannot stand the fact that this conference gets two automatic bids, because it takes away from a team that will always be better than their number two team (personal opinion). I think Campbellsville is the team to beat, and Georgetown could give them a run at it. Outside of that, you may see an upset from Warner/Life/Webber, but they won’t be consistent enough to compete for the top spot. Campbellsville Georgetown Warner Life Webber International Cumberland Reinhardt Midway St. Andrews Thomas More Bluefield Truett McConnell Rio Grande Well 2023 they won't but instead there will be a Appalachian Athletic Conference represented the southern school have already public said they are splitting meaning the conferences will look as followed AAC Warner Life Webber Reinhardt St Andrews Truett Bluefield Mid South Georgetown Campbellsville Cumberlands Midway Rio Grande Thomas More Plans to Go D2 and I think the Mid south will add St. Mary of the Woods to get to 6 I’ve been told Saint Mary’s of the Woods will be joining the WHAC.
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NAIA 2022
Dec 15, 2021 13:55:22 GMT -5
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Post by floridasun on Dec 15, 2021 13:55:22 GMT -5
Well 2023 they won't but instead there will be a Appalachian Athletic Conference represented the southern school have already public said they are splitting meaning the conferences will look as followed AAC Warner Life Webber Reinhardt St Andrews Truett Bluefield Mid South Georgetown Campbellsville Cumberlands Midway Rio Grande Thomas More Plans to Go D2 and I think the Mid south will add St. Mary of the Woods to get to 6 I’ve been told Saint Mary’s of the Woods will be joining the WHAC. Yes in recruiting stuff they have sent out to boys players at the club level that is what they have, WHAC
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Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2021 17:03:30 GMT -5
Awesome breakdown. I agree that there isn't a single favorite this season, which should make this fun. Park will be really good but so will Menlo, BenMesa, and Vanguard. I think that's the top tier. I see the merit for Lourdes there but depth worries me. Ten players on roster doesn't leave room for any misfortune, especially in the Lib, S, and OH positions (important ones). Beyond those 4/5, I think there are lot more teams worthy of the 6-15 range than we had last season. I think Grand View will still be strong. Jamestown is an unknown with the coaching and style change but they may be able to stay strong another year or two. It looks like Saint Xavier has both Ooms brothers back which makes them dangerous. Georgetown was bettr than I thought last year at the tournament and that was without their AA setter. I wouldn't be surprised to see GTown take Campbellsville's hold on the MidSouth (not that it matters, they do get 2 bids). I don't know a ton about the WHAC, but it appears Indiana Tech brings everyone back from last year which should put them in that 5-8 range, Aquinas bringing Boothroyd back alongside Armadano should help, Siena Heights adding Matos from Campbellsville (alongside the libero, another Campbellsville xfer) makes them intriguing. The only thing I'd change about the breakdown above, besides maybe moving Campbellsville down, is William Penn. The Lewis xfer, Krause will add a lot to what was already a good couple players - I wouldn't be surprised to see WPU climb up the Heart, somewhere around Missouri Valley. I agree with alot of what you said, and taking a look at Georgetown's roster again, I could see them upsetting Campbellsville potentially. They have a few interesting names of international kids, including a 24 year old Columbian, so who knows what that looks like. I still think Campbellsville's experience puts them over the top in that conference. Siena Heights may get a little better, but Matos is not a game changer in my mind, he is an upgrade for sure, but it doesn't change the tides enough to knock off Lourdes or Indiana Tech, even Aquinas. Saint Xavier plays Vanguard and Hope International in California in the first matches of the season on January 8, so we will see pretty quickly how they look.
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