I could run on and on but most might not read it so I'll keep it short(er) than I might otherwise.
I have been wondering about a few things this season. As the non-conference part comes to an end the Big Ten standings look a bit odd … don’t they? As I write this Maryland is 9-2, Rutgers is 8-2, Penn State is 5-3, Minnesota is 4-3, Ohio State is 3-6, etc. It’s all a little inside out.
Moving on, I am trying to watch every match with a critical eye (attached to a guy who only thinks he understands volleyball). I am more excited now than I have been since the 2015 season when I was a fanboy of Justine Wong-Orantes. The things I have been wondering about the Huskers generally, and the team members specifically, are all about the IMPACT they are having on the game.
In no particular order:
I have been wondering about a few things this season. As the non-conference part comes to an end the Big Ten standings look a bit odd … don’t they? As I write this Maryland is 9-2, Rutgers is 8-2, Penn State is 5-3, Minnesota is 4-3, Ohio State is 3-6, etc. It’s all a little inside out.
Moving on, I am trying to watch every match with a critical eye (attached to a guy who only thinks he understands volleyball). I am more excited now than I have been since the 2015 season when I was a fanboy of Justine Wong-Orantes. The things I have been wondering about the Huskers generally, and the team members specifically, are all about the IMPACT they are having on the game.
In no particular order:
- The IMPACT of the game at Memorial Stadium may never be adequately quantified. What the University did for volleyball and women’s sport cannot be easily measured. I’m not sure the event could have been successful anywhere else considering the level of support and the success of Nebraska volleyball at any and every level in the state.
- The IMPACT of the various transfers around the conference has, in my mind, not been as IMPACTful as some of the coaching staffs have hoped. I’m thinking that the most important transfer was probably Podraza, just based on her position and skill set. What has happened though is Merritt Beason. I submit that, at this point in the season, she is the best, most effective transfer to a new team we have seen in this conference or any other. Six rotation player and a beast in the back row.
- The IMPACT of the freshman has been major. They are, as a group, talented, skillful, and a pleasure to watch. Bergen Reilly is a savant as a setter. She will set records before she’s done. Harper Murry and Andi Jackson are skilled beyond their years and, while they sometimes play with abandon, they are growing with every match. Very high volleyball IQ as a group.
- The IMPACT of the defense on the success of the team has been stellar. Different than last season, but equal to the task I think. Laney Choboy is exceptional so far and not bad at the service line. Lexi Rodriguez can do it all and proves it. Watch her carefully as she chases down a ball and then sets it perfectly from a back corner to one of the pins. Pure pleasure.
