Post by montlakemouse on Dec 4, 2022 18:34:09 GMT -5
Looking ahead to 2023!
Definitely an opportunity for new players to step up after graduation of a large class who have defined the program for their 4-5 years.
Given the current roster and some optimism ...
Passing/digging: will likely fall to Bays, Morin, and Wilmes. I have high hopes for Morin and Wilmes who seem plenty athletic and have shown some flashes of being able to anticipate where to position themselves on the court. Griffin could be a wildcard here. If I remember correctly Griffin was rumored to be slated to start at L before her knee injury took her off the court for the better part of 2 years. Sure wouldn't hurt to have a transfer OH who could pass and defend. Barton?? Huard?? Endsley and Bush can hopefully develop into serviceable defenders to make using their tough serving (+ backrow attack threat) not a net negative.
Setting: ?? Given the current roster make-up I can't see trying a 2-setter system as we don't have spare OHs.
Hitting: Summers came on as a hitter toward the end of 2022 which was nice to see. Bush made some nice improvements on consistency and has shown the ability to handle the OH1 position and score points in and out of system - just needs to heal up and stay healthy. Endsely has the ability to be a terminal hitter and hopefully can recover completely from the ankle injury. Wilmes showed some flashes playing out of position on the RS and will need to improve consistency and variety of shots, but could be a prototypical crafty OH2. Wessels looks like she could develop into a scoring threat from the middle - most of her highlight films show her hitting in front of the setter. Hani? Barton?
Blocking: Summers showed some progress over the course of the season here. Bush has the ability to be an elite pin blocker but was derailed by injury in 2022. Not sure Wilmes or Endsley will ever be known for their blocking. Not sure what to expect from Hani? Wessels looks plenty athletic in her videos and could be a nice surprise here? Barton? Graduate transfer would really help here if the younger ones are not ready.
Serving: I think UW will remain an excellent serving team. They will miss Hoffman's steady serve, but Wilmes, Bush, and Endsley all have nasty serves; Bays also has a good serve, as does Wilson, so assuming they can dial in the consistency this should be a strength.
Blocking for sure needs to improve, but I think this team will go only as far as passing will take them.
Definitely an opportunity for new players to step up after graduation of a large class who have defined the program for their 4-5 years.
Given the current roster and some optimism ...
Passing/digging: will likely fall to Bays, Morin, and Wilmes. I have high hopes for Morin and Wilmes who seem plenty athletic and have shown some flashes of being able to anticipate where to position themselves on the court. Griffin could be a wildcard here. If I remember correctly Griffin was rumored to be slated to start at L before her knee injury took her off the court for the better part of 2 years. Sure wouldn't hurt to have a transfer OH who could pass and defend. Barton?? Huard?? Endsley and Bush can hopefully develop into serviceable defenders to make using their tough serving (+ backrow attack threat) not a net negative.
Setting: ?? Given the current roster make-up I can't see trying a 2-setter system as we don't have spare OHs.
Hitting: Summers came on as a hitter toward the end of 2022 which was nice to see. Bush made some nice improvements on consistency and has shown the ability to handle the OH1 position and score points in and out of system - just needs to heal up and stay healthy. Endsely has the ability to be a terminal hitter and hopefully can recover completely from the ankle injury. Wilmes showed some flashes playing out of position on the RS and will need to improve consistency and variety of shots, but could be a prototypical crafty OH2. Wessels looks like she could develop into a scoring threat from the middle - most of her highlight films show her hitting in front of the setter. Hani? Barton?
Blocking: Summers showed some progress over the course of the season here. Bush has the ability to be an elite pin blocker but was derailed by injury in 2022. Not sure Wilmes or Endsley will ever be known for their blocking. Not sure what to expect from Hani? Wessels looks plenty athletic in her videos and could be a nice surprise here? Barton? Graduate transfer would really help here if the younger ones are not ready.
Serving: I think UW will remain an excellent serving team. They will miss Hoffman's steady serve, but Wilmes, Bush, and Endsley all have nasty serves; Bays also has a good serve, as does Wilson, so assuming they can dial in the consistency this should be a strength.
Blocking for sure needs to improve, but I think this team will go only as far as passing will take them.