Kansas 2023

[bluepenquin]

Sept 22, 2023 20:30:21 GMT -5 veritas said:

Kansas....was just robbed.

I mean - I didn't exactly see a touch on the replay, maybe it was there.  

The next serve went into the net - so the impact of that call ended up being:

Kansas serving down 11-12 instead of Kansas serving tied 11-11. 

[bluepenquin]

Watching Cooper hit from the RS out of rotation 1 yesterday makes me think she would be a dynamite fulltime offensive RS. Just saying...

[buttery]

Watching Kansas this season, it’s been interesting to observe the DS subs. Dalton and Kirsch primarily sub RS. McGeHe is most likely to DS for Elnady if they decide to once in a set as she’s probably the most solid of the bunch in serve receive. Schultz is going to come in as the serving sub (and she’s good for a routine ace usually with a really mean float that just drops).

Just a really interesting philosophy to have so many DSs utilized so strategically throughout a match - compared to other programs that have maybe 1 or 2 DSs on the roster (and I’m not even pointing out McCarthy or Farris since they haven’t really played this year).

[buttery]

Rewatched the second Texas game. Serve receive was a mess early and I think Turner never really established a rhythm. They switched in and out of a 6-2 with Cooper playing RS some - I think she’s more fluid on the outside at this point, but not really anything to lose in this terrible Big 12 format of back-to-back home and home matches.

Aiono played for Myers the whole game and she looked great. I was interested to see if she would ever play because that MAVS club team she was on had some really good players and seemed like she was a key piece the last two seasons. Definitely had more of a consistent presence at the net than Myers, though she had very few attack attempts. Looking to 2024 and beyond, I think it would be good for Bechard to get her some reps this season, especially if Myers isn’t contributing much as a blocker (Aiono is very clearly more physical at the net than Myers I’d say). This is all based on 1 match, but she led the team in total blocks and I really think she could be a solid middle for Kansas moving forward.

Bien was thrown into front row and generally played decently considering the lack of offensive rhythm. I’d like her to get the start in one of the back-to-back series, maybe for Elnady as the six or assuming Cooper is productive.

Anyway, 6-2 was kind of messy and there was no consistency in the line-up at all for most of the game. I don’t think we should be taking Turner out of the game outside of an occasional dub sub (where I’d personally put Swanson/Schneider in for offensive/defense, respectively).

Any thoughts on the games KU will need to win in order to host? My thoughts are it’s possible with wins at TCU, a split at Iowa State and we win all home games (including Baylor). I still don’t know what to expect from Cincinnati and UCF.

[bluepenquin]

Did I just hear that Elnady completed her degree in just 3 years and is now getting her Masters. Makes me think she may not be back in 2025 for her 6th season and last year of eligibility.

[bluepenquin]

Oct 10, 2023 15:18:53 GMT -5 buttery said:

Any thoughts on the games KU will need to win in order to host? My thoughts are it’s possible with wins at TCU, a split at Iowa State and we win all home games (including Baylor). I still don’t know what to expect from Cincinnati and UCF.

They need to beat BYU.  I am not sure winning everything but BYU would be enough.  

They are favored in all of their remining matches (except BYU) - but beating Iowa State twice and BYU on the road along with Kansas State (2x), Baylor and UCF at home is a tall task.

[buttery]

I was at the Kansas-Oklahoma game this weekend. Kind of wish I had come to Lawrence during a game that had a little more at stake because it was pretty much cruise control for the Jayhawks.

I usually watch the games on ESPN+, so it was nice to see the team in-person. I obviously caught her on a really good day, but Elnady definitely brings the fire and as much talk as there is on Turner being the leader, Elnady definitely holds this team accountable and obviously does a lot as a six-rotation player. She plays with a sense of urgency and I appreciate that. Heard her yelling “Shoot” a lot, so looks like her and Turner are trying to push the tempo there (whereas any high ball for Cooper will do as she was hitting over the top of the OU block). Turner would also it looks like signal to Bien and Burns especially to give her faster lower passes when Elnady was front row.

Dalton’s passing was also great this match - both teams were in system a lot and when they were, they couldn’t stop each other (Oklahoma particularly ran a fast-tempo set to the outside that the KU block really never adjusted on).

[buttery]

Oct 14, 2023 14:55:26 GMT -5 bluepenquin said:

Did I just hear that Elnady completed her degree in just 3 years and is now getting her Masters. Makes me think she may not be back in 2025 for her 6th season and last year of eligibility.

Rewatched the game - sure sounds like it. As someone in finance, she might as well get her MsF too next year if it’s free 😉.

Otherwise, look out for Bien and Nelson to go six-rotation next year with Swanson/Dean coming in front row if they struggle to terminate.

[bluepenquin]

Oct 17, 2023 13:07:11 GMT -5 buttery said:

Oct 14, 2023 14:55:26 GMT -5 bluepenquin said:

Did I just hear that Elnady completed her degree in just 3 years and is now getting her Masters. Makes me think she may not be back in 2025 for her 6th season and last year of eligibility.

Rewatched the game - sure sounds like it. As someone in finance, she might as well get her MsF too next year if it’s free 😉.

Otherwise, look out for Bien and Nelson to go six-rotation next year with Swanson/Dean coming in front row if they struggle to terminate.

I think she will be back in 2024 with 2nd year for her Masters.  I just think 2025 is in question for a 3rd year.  Even though she started and played 1 year before Bien, Turner, and Davis - she will have the eligibility to stay one full year longer.  

[bluepenquin]

Okay - I didn't think Kansas would beat TCU after watching TCU play Texas and seeing a healthy Parra (or at least thought this would be a very tough match on the road). But dang, Kansas played great. It doesn't look like Para was totally healthy and TCU missing their setter was a problem. KU had a good gameplan with always putting 2 blockers on Parra and 'letting' someone else try and beat them.

This was more of the same - the floor defense was just outstanding. This keeps them in so many points. Then the multiple blocks on Parra was something new and really exposed TCU as being one dimensional. And great termination from Cooper, Elnady, Davis, and Onabanjo.

[buttery]

Oct 23, 2023 6:50:16 GMT -5 bluepenquin said:

Okay - I didn't think Kansas would beat TCU after watching TCU play Texas and seeing a healthy Parra (or at least thought this would be a very tough match on the road). But dang, Kansas played great. It doesn't look like Para was totally healthy and TCU missing their setter was a problem. KU had a good gameplan with always putting 2 blockers on Parra and 'letting' someone else try and beat them.

This was more of the same - the floor defense was just outstanding. This keeps them in so many points. Then the multiple blocks on Parra was something new and really exposed TCU as being one dimensional. And great termination from Cooper, Elnady, Davis, and Onabanjo.

Agreed - I thought Nalls and Parra were going to eat up our block with the fast tempo to the outside. But TCU serve receive kind of fell apart after Set 1 and the overall defense was on a different level than what we’ve seen. I’m hoping this isn’t a complete anomaly, but if they block can be consistently improved like it was against TCU, this team can be very very dangerous.

Side note: she otherwise played well, but Dalton…oh my with those service errors lol.

[bluepenquin]

Oct 23, 2023 12:17:36 GMT -5 buttery said:

Oct 23, 2023 6:50:16 GMT -5 bluepenquin said:

Okay - I didn't think Kansas would beat TCU after watching TCU play Texas and seeing a healthy Parra (or at least thought this would be a very tough match on the road). But dang, Kansas played great. It doesn't look like Para was totally healthy and TCU missing their setter was a problem. KU had a good gameplan with always putting 2 blockers on Parra and 'letting' someone else try and beat them.

This was more of the same - the floor defense was just outstanding. This keeps them in so many points. Then the multiple blocks on Parra was something new and really exposed TCU as being one dimensional. And great termination from Cooper, Elnady, Davis, and Onabanjo.

Agreed - I thought Nalls and Parra were going to eat up our block with the fast tempo to the outside. But TCU serve receive kind of fell apart after Set 1 and the overall defense was on a different level than what we’ve seen. I’m hoping this isn’t a complete anomaly, but if they block can be consistently improved like it was against TCU, this team can be very very dangerous.

Side note: she otherwise played well, but Dalton…oh my with those service errors lol.

And then McGehe subbed in for Davis instead of Dalton in the 4th set and promptly had a service error.  That spot was jinxed.  The last serve from Dalton barely hit the bottom of the net.

I think the blocking was/is probably an anomaly.  They served mostly to Nails and avoided Parra, then had the middle blocker on Parra/Nails the entire game.  TCU struggled getting in system and KU was ready with the block.  I just don't think that happens against a more diversified offense. 

I cannot see the serving stats of the Texas/TCU match - I am thinking Texas didn't target Nails as well on the serve as Kansas did (not sure how they could have done any better than KU with this)?  And - Texas did a much better job of targeting Cooper on serve - while TCU completely failed with this.  

[slxpress]

Oct 23, 2023 13:40:36 GMT -5 bluepenquin said:

Oct 23, 2023 12:17:36 GMT -5 buttery said:

Agreed - I thought Nalls and Parra were going to eat up our block with the fast tempo to the outside. But TCU serve receive kind of fell apart after Set 1 and the overall defense was on a different level than what we’ve seen. I’m hoping this isn’t a complete anomaly, but if they block can be consistently improved like it was against TCU, this team can be very very dangerous.

Side note: she otherwise played well, but Dalton…oh my with those service errors lol.

And then McGehe subbed in for Davis instead of Dalton in the 4th set and promptly had a service error.  That spot was jinxed.  The last serve from Dalton barely hit the bottom of the net.

I think the blocking was/is probably an anomaly.  They served mostly to Nails and avoided Parra, then had the middle blocker on Parra/Nails the entire game.  TCU struggled getting in system and KU was ready with the block.  I just don't think that happens against a more diversified offense. 

I cannot see the serving stats of the Texas/TCU match - I am thinking Texas didn't target Nails as well on the serve as Kansas did (not sure how they could have done any better than KU with this)?  And - Texas did a much better job of targeting Cooper on serve - while TCU completely failed with this.  

I don’t have stats, but as a Texas fan I can tell you anecdotally I was screaming in frustration at how often Texas targeted Parra in serve receive. She was passing dimes.

I didn’t get a chance to watch the KU-TCU match. Not surprised Bechard targeted Parra/Nalls with the double block. He does the same thing with Texas, which often is just as left pin reliant. Honestly, Nalls did more damage than Parra in the Texas match, although Parra came on late. That’s probably the best match Nalls has had in a pretty stellar career so far. Certainly her best match of the year (which has been a bit underwhelming compared to last year - maybe in part due to injury issues).

Anyway, big win for the Jayhawks. Based on the first set score I thought TCU was going to take up where they left off against Texas, but KU pretty much dominated the rest of the way.

[bluepenquin]

Oct 23, 2023 13:40:36 GMT -5 bluepenquin said:

Oct 23, 2023 12:17:36 GMT -5 buttery said:

Agreed - I thought Nalls and Parra were going to eat up our block with the fast tempo to the outside. But TCU serve receive kind of fell apart after Set 1 and the overall defense was on a different level than what we’ve seen. I’m hoping this isn’t a complete anomaly, but if they block can be consistently improved like it was against TCU, this team can be very very dangerous.

Side note: she otherwise played well, but Dalton…oh my with those service errors lol.

And then McGehe subbed in for Davis instead of Dalton in the 4th set and promptly had a service error.  That spot was jinxed.  The last serve from Dalton barely hit the bottom of the net.

I think the blocking was/is probably an anomaly.  They served mostly to Nails and avoided Parra, then had the middle blocker on Parra/Nails the entire game.  TCU struggled getting in system and KU was ready with the block.  I just don't think that happens against a more diversified offense. 

I cannot see the serving stats of the Texas/TCU match - I am thinking Texas didn't target Nails as well on the serve as Kansas did (not sure how they could have done any better than KU with this)?  And - Texas did a much better job of targeting Cooper on serve - while TCU completely failed with this.  

I am usually fascinated in how teams target and how opponents defense against 'targeting' in serve receive.  I didn't get to watch Kansas against Texas - but interesting how different the serve receive attempts occurred in those 2 matches.

Match 1 (clearly the better match for Kansas):  Only 2 times did Texas get a serve on the Libero Reagan Burns (and both resulted in aces).  75 serves and only 2 going to the other team's libero (and a very good one at that) is some incredible targeting.  They served Cooper 11 times.  These are the kinds of ratios that are in good for Texas.  OTH - Kansas was able to get 30% of their serves on either Wanaas or Skinner.

Match 2:  Looks like Kansas made some adjustments trying to get Cooper out of serve receive and then tasked Burns to cover more area.  40% of the attempts in the 2nd match came from Burns and only 1 from Cooper - a complete reversal from the first match.  Skinner and Wanaas combined for 34% - similar to the first match.  Based on just those numbers - I would have expected the 2nd match to have been better for Kansas, but it wasn't.  

[friendlybanter]

How do we feel about Kansas’ recruiting class? They seem to bring in good talent.