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Post by badgerbadgerbadger on Aug 28, 2024 13:58:27 GMT -5
Moving to a 6-2 now could potentially play some mind games with Charlie's confidence, and I don't want to do that with a freshman setter when the mental stuff plays such a huge role for setters. I'd rather let her work it out, it's not like you can't see the potential there, the stuff that's problematic like connections are 100% fixable with reps. Remember that Charlie didn't come till late May, and Frank and Booth were away at Final Six till late July, and Frank hasn't even been able to play front row till the past few weeks. Give her time. It's no wonder her crispest connection seems to be with Robinson. my issue isn’t with Charlie’s setting at all. my issue is the block became nonexistent lol that’s been like y’all’s whole thing with this group of players Blocking was certainly an issue. We still got 14 blocks last night, an average of 3.5/set, which would actually be higher than last year's B/S (3.1). We do need to get a lot more block touches though, too often those balls went untouched to the backrow. The problem is Booth leaving wide open gaps in the block right now, Devyn and Anna were more than fine last night (people remember the flashy Debeer kills, but Smrek held her to a negative hitting %). I would be in favor of substituting CC in for Booth sure, esp if Booth continues to play like last night. Orzol is also a much stronger blocker than TSC, so that'll help too.
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Post by uofaGRAD on Aug 28, 2024 14:03:13 GMT -5
my issue isn’t with Charlie’s setting at all. my issue is the block became nonexistent lol that’s been like y’all’s whole thing with this group of players For the record, Wisconsin had 14 blocks last night. (Louisville 10.) that’s true. Devyn was a beast. I guess I was just thinking about Booth really
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Post by volleyball90 on Aug 28, 2024 14:10:30 GMT -5
My hunch was that Lola was our best passer on the night, so I ended up charting it out (may have missed a point here or there)
Done on a 3 point scale:
Damrow: 2.0 rating on 26 attempts Orzol: 1.67 on 12 attempts (she started strong and really faded) Frank: 2.26 on 19 attempts (she was very consistent all night) Lola: 2.42 on 12 attempts (my eye test hunch was right) TSC: 2 on 8 attempts (she was mostly hidden in SR)
Overall I got 2.05 for the team which isn't good enough and makes it hard to run an effective offense.
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Post by Burly Ives on Aug 28, 2024 14:15:17 GMT -5
my issue isn’t with Charlie’s setting at all. my issue is the block became nonexistent lol that’s been like y’all’s whole thing with this group of players For the record, Wisconsin had 14 blocks last night. (Louisville 10.) I think the thing is Louisville did much better getting hands on many of our kill attempts. They started teeing off on us in the later stages of the match. Getting many clean kill attempts.
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Post by Pepperjack on Aug 28, 2024 14:33:10 GMT -5
Wouldn’t be surprised if Lola earned a bigger role throughout the season, and GG plays less.
GG has been given so many opportunities. I’ll leave it at that because I don’t want to be overally negative this early in the season.
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Post by ay2013 on Aug 28, 2024 14:42:05 GMT -5
Considering this was match 1 of the season, EVERYTHING should be taken with a grain of salt. I vividly remember a few years ago when Wisconsin utterly embarrassed themselves with early season home losses to Marquette and Baylor and capped their preseason with a complete beatdown at the hands of Washington where they didn't score over 20 points in any set and were sent packing in set 3 with a set score of 25-14. That team returned...checks notes.... Hilley, Rettke, Duello, Hart, Loberg, Haggerty, Clark, Barnes. Yikes. Well that same team then went on to go 18-2 in the Big 10 and was the national runner up in the NCAA tournament.
I mention that to say that the sky is NOT falling for Wisconsin. However, I do think that, year over year, there are some notable things that I think made Wisconsin a formidable team last year (in particular at the margins), that they do NOT have this year (at least not right now). It's the points scored (or keeping the other teams from scoring) at the margins that define elite teams.
Wisconsin wasn't a great passing or digging team last year, so them not being one this year wouldn't be surprising. The difference is that they made up for it with outlet scoring in ALL rotations and a strong block in all rotations. They simply do not have that with their current OH hitting situation and I'm not sure when or how that is going to be rectified, but it's a notable difference between last years team and this years team. Even TTA, who was a mere shell of her former self after arriving at Wisconsin (still so baffling to me), managed over 2 kills per set hitting .233. If they had that last night, Wisconsin's chance of winning last nights match goes to about 80%.
The second issue is the block when Charlie F. is front row. I said this a while ago, long before the season ever started, but for a team that NEEDS the block to be a weapon at the margins, she is a blocking liability, period. Anyone that didn't think there wasn't going to be a drop off in the effectiveness of the Wisconsin block (at the margins) going from a 6-2 to Charlie F. front row is absolutely kidding themselves. I'm not sure I see that situation getting any definitely better (compared to where they were last year). I will say that it doesn't NEED to get better IF Wisconsin is able to find other ways to score points at the margins. This can come in a number of ways - the first is pushing aces or getting freeballs as it gives opposing teams fewer chances to test the Wisconsin block. The second is an improved backcourt and the corresponding improved offensive transition to get a kill from that defensive play. If those things can get better, the emphasis on the block becomes less critical, however if it doesn't improve and Wisconsin isn't pushing aces, and the backcourt isn't superior, Sheffield will really need to rethink a 5-1.
Also, I say all of this for a Wisconsin team trying to win the Big 10, and be in the final four/win a championship. Most of their matches won't be coming down to how they score points (or keep other teams from scoring points) at the margins.
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Post by volleyball90 on Aug 28, 2024 14:44:24 GMT -5
Wouldn’t be surprised if Lola earned a bigger role throughout the season, and GG plays less. GG has been given so many opportunities. I’ll leave it at that because I don’t want to be overally negative this early in the season. In GG's defense (pun), she has been quite good as a defender, an elite bump setter, and shockingly good server. Her struggles in serve receive have been disappointed as is her lack of growth in the area. I feel that for players of her caliber, it really is more mental than anything. Often defense can be "easier" due to lack of thinking and more reacting on instinct. Or maybe she just doesn't have the proper footwork to get into a good position for serve receive. I don't know, but at this point in her career, its hard to be optimistic of her showing great improvement in the area.
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Post by 25or624 on Aug 28, 2024 14:45:33 GMT -5
Just wanna say some of yall are being a little hard on Charlie imo, I was there for both matches and she was the best setter at the entire showcase lol. She is gonna cause a lot of trouble for opponents this year and is a massive setting upgrade for you all She’s a SoCal girl, so she’s a good one! Lol It seemed to me when Shef was mic’d up and reading her body language that there may be a coach/setter connection/respect issue. Maybe I read into it too much but just MHO. She’s a true freshman, in a huge very early season match, she’ll be fine Flesh this out a bit please: " reading her body language that there may be a coach/setter connection/respect issue". Who has the "respect issue" in this scenario?
Last night was the first time I saw Charlie play, so I have no idea what her usual demeanor is on the sidelines while talking to a coach. That said, I did think at one point she looked like she just wanted to get back out on the court and keep banging away. Hard to blame her for that.
In any case, The Badgers have to get these growing pains out of the way. No time like the present. GO BADGERS.
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Post by volleyball90 on Aug 28, 2024 14:49:08 GMT -5
Considering this was match 1 of the season, EVERYTHING should be taken with a grain of salt. I vividly remember a few years ago when Wisconsin utterly embarrassed themselves with early season home losses to Marquette and Baylor and capped their preseason with a complete beatdown at the hands of Washington where they didn't score over 20 points in any set and were sent packing in set 3 with a set score of 25-14. That team returned...checks notes.... Hilley, Rettke, Duello, Hart, Loberg, Haggerty, Clark, Barnes. Yikes. Well that same team then went on to go 18-2 in the Big 10 and was the national runner up in the NCAA tournament. I mention that to say that the sky is NOT falling for Wisconsin. However, I do think that, year over year, there are some notable things that I think made Wisconsin a formidable team last year (in particular at the margins), that they do NOT have this year (at least not right now). It's the points scored (or keeping the other teams from scoring) at the margins that define elite teams. Wisconsin wasn't a great passing or digging team last year, so them not being one this year wouldn't be surprising. The difference is that they made up for it with outlet scoring in ALL rotations and a strong block in all rotations. They simply do not have that with their current OH hitting situation and I'm not sure when or how that is going to be rectified, but it's a notable difference between last years team and this years team. Even TTA, who was a mere shell of her former self after arriving at Wisconsin (still so baffling to me), managed over 2 kills per set hitting .233. If they had that last night, Wisconsin's chance of winning last nights match goes to about 80%. The second issue is the block when Charlie F. is front row. I said this a while ago, long before the season ever started, but for a team that NEEDS the block to be a weapon at the margins, she is a blocking liability, period. Anyone that didn't think there wasn't going to be a drop off in the effectiveness of the Wisconsin block (at the margins) going from a 6-2 to Charlie F. front row is absolutely kidding themselves. I'm not sure I see that situation getting any definitely better (compared to where they were last year). I will say that it doesn't NEED to get better IF Wisconsin is able to find other ways to score points at the margins. This can come in a number of ways - the first is pushing aces or getting freeballs as it gives opposing teams fewer chances to test the Wisconsin block. The second is an improved backcourt and the corresponding improved offensive transition to get a kill from that defensive play. If those things can get better, the emphasis on the block becomes less critical, however if it doesn't improve and Wisconsin isn't pushing aces, and the backcourt isn't superior, Sheffield will really need to rethink a 5-1. I don't think the blocking issues last night (hard to say issues when we had 14) were really on Charlie though. The bigger issues with blocking were on the lack of closing them. Booth missed a lot of close outs last night especially. Of course, if you miss a million serves, you limit your chances to even set good blocks.
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Post by ay2013 on Aug 28, 2024 14:52:00 GMT -5
Considering this was match 1 of the season, EVERYTHING should be taken with a grain of salt. I vividly remember a few years ago when Wisconsin utterly embarrassed themselves with early season home losses to Marquette and Baylor and capped their preseason with a complete beatdown at the hands of Washington where they didn't score over 20 points in any set and were sent packing in set 3 with a set score of 25-14. That team returned...checks notes.... Hilley, Rettke, Duello, Hart, Loberg, Haggerty, Clark, Barnes. Yikes. Well that same team then went on to go 18-2 in the Big 10 and was the national runner up in the NCAA tournament. I mention that to say that the sky is NOT falling for Wisconsin. However, I do think that, year over year, there are some notable things that I think made Wisconsin a formidable team last year (in particular at the margins), that they do NOT have this year (at least not right now). It's the points scored (or keeping the other teams from scoring) at the margins that define elite teams. Wisconsin wasn't a great passing or digging team last year, so them not being one this year wouldn't be surprising. The difference is that they made up for it with outlet scoring in ALL rotations and a strong block in all rotations. They simply do not have that with their current OH hitting situation and I'm not sure when or how that is going to be rectified, but it's a notable difference between last years team and this years team. Even TTA, who was a mere shell of her former self after arriving at Wisconsin (still so baffling to me), managed over 2 kills per set hitting .233. If they had that last night, Wisconsin's chance of winning last nights match goes to about 80%. The second issue is the block when Charlie F. is front row. I said this a while ago, long before the season ever started, but for a team that NEEDS the block to be a weapon at the margins, she is a blocking liability, period. Anyone that didn't think there wasn't going to be a drop off in the effectiveness of the Wisconsin block (at the margins) going from a 6-2 to Charlie F. front row is absolutely kidding themselves. I'm not sure I see that situation getting any definitely better (compared to where they were last year). I will say that it doesn't NEED to get better IF Wisconsin is able to find other ways to score points at the margins. This can come in a number of ways - the first is pushing aces or getting freeballs as it gives opposing teams fewer chances to test the Wisconsin block. The second is an improved backcourt and the corresponding improved offensive transition to get a kill from that defensive play. If those things can get better, the emphasis on the block becomes less critical, however if it doesn't improve and Wisconsin isn't pushing aces, and the backcourt isn't superior, Sheffield will really need to rethink a 5-1. I don't think the blocking issues last night (hard to say issues when we had 14) were really on Charlie though. The bigger issues with blocking were on the lack of closing them. Booth missed a lot of close outs last night especially. Of course, if you miss a million serves, you limit your chances to even set good blocks. Ok. So, re the block when Charlie F. is front row, what is your explanation for the exhibition match against Bradley? Did Booth just get confused/lazy there too? Also, just so we are clear, if you go back and watch the match, Robinson also missed a number of block reads and closing...just sayin.
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Post by mibadger on Aug 28, 2024 14:54:04 GMT -5
Was obviously disappointed last night but it’s easy to see the potential Charlie has as the season progresses and everyone gets used to each other. Louisville looked like the more explosive team with Looper and Kong being really dynamic.
Not having Orzol out there full time as a floor general was an issue in my opinion. Definitely missed CC’s intensity. Booth getting to the block late when Charlie was on the right was exploited well by Louisville. Chemistry seems off right now which shouldn’t be that surprising. Charlie not on campus until summer. Franklin fighting back from injury. The spring practices were great for reps but they in no way represented what team looks like now and that missing time working on connections is obvious.
I’m extremely high on the season still. We have a ton of talent and the coaching staff has earned my trust that they will have us playing our best at the end of the season. Excited to go to the matches this weekend and keep watching them progress.
Also Louisville looked really good. DBK is a great coach and has them ready to compete at a high level every year. Glad we only potentially play them 1 more time this year and most likely not at all. But even if we have to go there in the tournament to get to the final four I’ll like our chances. If they have to come here I really like our chances in the dungeon.
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Post by maigrey on Aug 28, 2024 15:20:49 GMT -5
Just wanna say some of yall are being a little hard on Charlie imo, I was there for both matches and she was the best setter at the entire showcase lol. She is gonna cause a lot of trouble for opponents this year and is a massive setting upgrade for you all She’s a SoCal girl, so she’s a good one! Lol It seemed to me when Shef was mic’d up and reading her body language that there may be a coach/setter connection/respect issue. Maybe I read into it too much but just MHO. She’s a true freshman, in a huge very early season match, she’ll be fine I noticed that and at the time thought it was weird that she was looking at him and then just started looking away after about 20 seconds.
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Post by savannahbadger on Aug 28, 2024 15:21:17 GMT -5
Charlie’s lack of blocking should be mostly offset by having a front row attack that we haven’t had the last 2 years.
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Post by badgerbyproxy on Aug 28, 2024 15:27:58 GMT -5
Huh. Sheff seems to think the Libero platoon was good. I don’t think it’s a terrible idea. I think we will need a larger sample size, though. Last night, Wisconsin had too many service errors (17!), so a good amount of GG’s time on court was spent watching a serve go into the net/out of bounds. GG does have good floor defense when she gets going, and she has two years of experience at this level. It makes sense to keep her on the floor in a way that removes her greatest weakness (serve receive). I get that a lot of people aren’t happy with it right now, but as we learned from 2022 (when we were all bemoaning the 6-2 after the Baylor loss), an early loss doesn’t mean “abandon the system” for Sheffield. He has faith in his players and knows what systems will allow for the highest ceiling. Last night wasn’t a stunning debut for the 2-Libero system in NCAA volleyball, but there definitely is potential.
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Post by maigrey on Aug 28, 2024 15:30:20 GMT -5
I know this is oversimplifying it but really it boils down to: we need more aces. The # of SE was not great, but survivable if we picked up some free points in the serve. This would also mean our serve was really putting pressure on the other team, and even our non-ace serves would be getting us more free balls or soft digs to set up great transition play.
(Also, yes, we need healthy Oz and Frank, and of course, CC for Booth (important to the above because then the bro can serve for Dev, and CC can unleash her serve and defense))
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