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Post by usdfan on Jun 9, 2022 0:50:35 GMT -5
Just saw your posting. I am glad to hear that she is a "good one". Great news for USD!! This summer there is going to be some intense competition in the backrow between Benbow, Allen, and Durham. Let's hope Durham can help make USD's passing and D that much better for this season and the future. Durham won’t be here til next year but looks like a solid OH! Future is looking bright. Gonna be tough competition for back row for sure. Also bringing in Bennett, a top Libero from KY. Exciting stuff all around. |
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Post by Hookup on Jun 9, 2022 15:57:35 GMT -5
Thanks for the correction. Bennett is who I was thinking of coming in this season...And yes, it should be a very exciting season all around.
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Post by usdfan on Jun 9, 2022 22:53:09 GMT -5
Thanks for the correction. Bennett is who I was thinking of coming in this season...And yes, it should be a very exciting season all around. Oh wow she was a second team AVCA All American this past season. I need to look up more on Bennett. Will see how she adjusts to college play. When do they get everyone on campus and start practice. Let’s go! |
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Post by Brutus Buckeye on Jun 14, 2022 22:10:57 GMT -5
You guys recruited Durham to play the back row? I didn't even know that she knew how to play the back row.  |
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Post by usdfan2.0 on Jun 22, 2022 15:21:34 GMT -5
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Post by swatson91 on Jul 25, 2022 15:02:32 GMT -5
With the season starting in 5 weeks, what are your thoughts on the starting lineup
OH 1 - Lukes
OH 2- Edwards or Pries
Middle 1 - Blackwell
Middle 2 - Goddard or Stoner
Oppo - Frohling
Libero - Benbow
Setter - Blossom
Their preseason schedule is excellent, should be exciting. USD's best team on paper in the last 5 years
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Post by chatchu-off moksri on Jul 25, 2022 15:21:49 GMT -5
IMO I would have Stoner over Goddard for that other middle position. From the matches she played, I thought she showed some great potential blocking-wise, and seemed quicker to the pins than Goddard did.
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Post by vbsam16 on Jul 25, 2022 15:34:59 GMT -5
IMO I would have Stoner over Goddard for that other middle position. From the matches she played, I thought she showed some great potential blocking-wise, and seemed quicker to the pins than Goddard did. Agreed. I also feel like Allen will probably DS for either Edwards or Pries |
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Post by usdfan on Jul 26, 2022 19:00:48 GMT -5
IMO I would have Stoner over Goddard for that other middle position. From the matches she played, I thought she showed some great potential blocking-wise, and seemed quicker to the pins than Goddard did. Agreed. I also feel like Allen will probably DS for either Edwards or Pries I have to agree with the Stoner prediction but Goddard will get time too. The team is deep with pin hitters and defensive specialists, I think we’ll see a lot of players get playing time. Behind Benbow, Allen prob has the advantage over the others but I wouldn’t be surprised if Bennett makes a splash. Can’t wait for the season to start and see if they live up to the hype. |
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Post by Hookup on Jul 26, 2022 22:05:22 GMT -5
That middle spot will be another good competition in the USD gym this preseason. Defensively, I can see that each has a skillset that gives an advantage compared to the other. Goodard is the taller, quicker athlete with a higher reach, but Stoner's technique and blocking location is more consistent. I can see them both making big contributions and splitting a lot of playing time. Maybe that time will depend on the opposing team matchup they will be facing throughout the season. I can see the competition for the 2nd middle may also come down to which player develops the better hitting relationship with Blossom. Goddard hits a better slide; she can really fly when she commits to it. Stoner is a better hitter in the middle and works harder to make her transitions.
It will be exciting to see how much better Blossom makes USD as a team that is willing and able to score with the middles. Blackwell could have a breakout season. We know she plays good defense, but she may get a great chance to show off her offensive talent. We got hints of her hitting last season but let's see if it all comes together for her with Blossom running the show. If Blossom sets USDs middles this year as effectively as she has in her past seasons at PSU, then watch out where this team may end up this year.
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Post by swatson91 on Jul 27, 2022 10:16:42 GMT -5
Totally agree about setting the middles, it was non existent last year. If Blossom can get a rhythm with the middles it will allow Lukes and Frohling to feast.
I believe Lukes and Frohling will be All Americans this year.
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Post by vbsam16 on Jul 27, 2022 11:31:41 GMT -5
Totally agree about setting the middles, it was non existent last year. If Blossom can get a rhythm with the middles it will allow Lukes and Frohling to feast. I believe Lukes and Frohling will be All Americans this year. I think the offensive production from Lukes, Blackwell, and Frohling is going to be insane this season. So much firepower just from those three alone. And with one of the more deceptive setters in Blossom, it should provide a lot of one on one opportunities for them. |
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Post by Hookup on Jul 27, 2022 17:18:48 GMT -5
Frohling should have a huge year, maybe she could be as high as a 2nd team AA nomination? It will depend on if this team gets into or maybe past the top 16? If they got into the elite 8 tournament round that would open the door for her to those national awards. If Frohling comes in ready and plays well against the preseason teams like Pitt, OSU and Louisville that also will be important for her to get a great start to overcome some of the bias against all WCC players.
Lukes can also have a breakthrough year. Lots of competition for post season awards for outsides, but with this team, Lukes can certainly be one of top performing pins. The key will be her ability to convert at a high percentage on the out of system plays. Blossom expects a middle to be ready at all times for her to deliver a set. If Blackwell, Goddard, and Stoner work hard to be in play to that option then it will open up the net and floor for the outsides at USD. That was a real weakness for USD last season. Both Lukes and Edwards are big hitters but with some open space they may just have their best seasons.
Blossom is as usual the key to some AA recognition for whatever team she is playing on. She will really show her teammates her value not only with her playing skills but with her leadership and desire. I am hoping to see a team that plays with a little more attitude and expects to win competitive matches right from the start. If this team gets going early (and that does not mean they have to win each preseason match) and they make a strong post season run, even getting through to the top 16? then the awards and acknowledgments will follow.
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Post by 900sqftdad on Jul 28, 2022 0:19:24 GMT -5
Final 4 team…!
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Post by Deleted on Jul 28, 2022 2:34:55 GMT -5
I get the hype behind this years team, and I’m right there with you. Final four potential? Yeah. But will they be in the final four? I doubt it. They’ve had the majority of their pieces for a couple seasons and haven’t done much come tournament time. I’m intrigued to see how much better they are with Blossom. Top 10 team I’m sure
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