2023 Olympic Qual. | USA-COL | Sat. 9/16 4:30 AM CT | VBW TV
Sept 16, 2023 10:41:39 GMT -5
liberovb10, ironhammer, and 3 more like this
Post by herecomesthebusboom on Sept 16, 2023 10:41:39 GMT -5
Just finished watching the replay and here’s my two cents:
- This team looks comfortable, much more than they did at the VNL’s. We may disagree with KK’s decisions, but I think a more consistent group with greater chemistry is what we’re working towards now, and this was the smoothest the A squad has played all summer so far.
- Service pressure was solid, especially from JT, Dana, and Chi
- KRob looked really good. She makes smart shots and can adjust to wonky sets, and she’s a solid consistent passer in any rotation. I know she has her critics here on VT but I get why she’s starting. I do think it would be stronger to pair her with a more terminal OH - she and Larson play too similar IMHO. I’d like to see what a KRob/Plummer or KRob/Frantti starting pairing could do. Tipping so often isn’t going to work as well against teams with stronger blocks/floor defense.
- Dana also looks really good out there. Another player with vocal critics, but I think she’s a great addition to the A squad. She looked faster on closing the block, and even when she’s not roofing hitters she’s getting productive block touches, attacking super efficiently, and delivering some of the strongest serves on court.
- Back row defense was okay but not really tested today. A couple of times they looked slow and stuck on their heels, letting some tips fall that shouldn’t have. I wonder if Hentz should start over JWO (not likely to happen given her being captain and KK’s track record, but I’d like to see more Hentz on the court for sure).
- Carlini looked so comfortable out there. Much stronger connections. The slide connection with Chi needs some work still but overall she’s much improved. Looks like Hancock might’ve given her some tips about being more offensive as well.
A solid, clean start but lots more volleyball ahead. Can’t wait to see what happens!
- This team looks comfortable, much more than they did at the VNL’s. We may disagree with KK’s decisions, but I think a more consistent group with greater chemistry is what we’re working towards now, and this was the smoothest the A squad has played all summer so far.
- Service pressure was solid, especially from JT, Dana, and Chi
- KRob looked really good. She makes smart shots and can adjust to wonky sets, and she’s a solid consistent passer in any rotation. I know she has her critics here on VT but I get why she’s starting. I do think it would be stronger to pair her with a more terminal OH - she and Larson play too similar IMHO. I’d like to see what a KRob/Plummer or KRob/Frantti starting pairing could do. Tipping so often isn’t going to work as well against teams with stronger blocks/floor defense.
- Dana also looks really good out there. Another player with vocal critics, but I think she’s a great addition to the A squad. She looked faster on closing the block, and even when she’s not roofing hitters she’s getting productive block touches, attacking super efficiently, and delivering some of the strongest serves on court.
- Back row defense was okay but not really tested today. A couple of times they looked slow and stuck on their heels, letting some tips fall that shouldn’t have. I wonder if Hentz should start over JWO (not likely to happen given her being captain and KK’s track record, but I’d like to see more Hentz on the court for sure).
- Carlini looked so comfortable out there. Much stronger connections. The slide connection with Chi needs some work still but overall she’s much improved. Looks like Hancock might’ve given her some tips about being more offensive as well.
A solid, clean start but lots more volleyball ahead. Can’t wait to see what happens!
