Regional Finals are now over, and four teams have punched their tickets to the “Show Me” State of Missouri. We are closer to crowning 2010 National Champion. Of course, just as the previous matches (ahem up in Seattle) they would not be great without any drama!
So, lets get right to the analyzing, smack talking (w/Turtle), and gossip. Starting on the Dayton Region with the court seeing Pac-10 rivals Stanford Cardinal versus USC Trojans. A very hard tough fought match, however, I did say that if role players did NOT produce for Stanford faithful, forget it! There were moments of brilliance, defense that completely stepped up, but it was not enough to overcome the high powered high flying Trojans. The Outside Hitters for USC did exactly what I said – had their way with the Cardinal. Shaky passing especially from the seniors, and truly not playing the bigger points better cost you in the end. It was minor things that took place throughout the year that did the Cardinal in at a very crucial time of the season. This is not the time for missed easy digs by Benjamin. Miscommunication on serve receive between seniors is completely unacceptable at this time of the season. The inconsistent setting to the RS did not allow Spelman to produce during the match.
(images from Cobra Mag)
However, as mentioned some of the role players did indeed standout. Both middle blockers – Walker and Wopat had very fine matches. In fact, I would even state that the last two matches for Jessica were fantastic. For someone that barely played all season, and generally error-prone, she really showed what she is capable of on the court. Wopat also produced both offensively, defensively, and from the service line. A very nice learning experience for the freshman. Many are now saying that she will be the new vocal leader next year on the court. I can certainly see that happening! (We all know next year, and maybe even the year after that will be some serious revamping of their program.)
And what in the world is UP with Dunning not calling a timeout in the fourth set? You have two to use for a reason. VTalkers are certainly chatting about it! Could this have actually caused Stanford the match? Did John make a cardinal sin? (ha!)
An end to three stellar careers – Klineman, Lichtman, and Ailes. We thank you for your four years of fantastic play, wonderful runs in the tournament, and overall class on the court. You will thoroughly be missed!
USC’s Falyn, Falyn, and more Falyn. Other players did a great job assisting in this incredible win, however, all hats off to Freshman Outside Hitter, Falyn Fonoimoana. I am also quite sure she has silenced some of those nay sayers out there, who doubted her and her fellow Trojans. This team showed much improved passing, very tough serving (although where was Falyn’s jump serve?), solid blocks when needed, fought so much more harder than Stanford, and simply played the bigger points much better. This match could have gone either way, however, this time out USC was not to be denied. Not the greatest fan, but I do love a team playing with passion, heart, and a serious will to win!
Onto the second Regional Final – Penn State vs. Duke. Once again, do I really need to address this? I must first say that it was really nice for Penn State to allow Duke to take a set off them during this match. Hhmm was this A. only to prove a point that Duke is a very tough team they had to play to get back to the semis B. PSU took Duke a little too lightly, and lost focus which caused them to lose a set or C. actually got beaten fair and square during that one particular set? You be the judge!
WATCH:
Deservedly so, Ariel Scott was benched during this match for lack of offense, and showing some freshman jitters. This also occurred with Deja’s shaky passing, and some missed digs on defense. But of course, as everyone in America knows, Duke truly had nothing to hurt The Nittany Lions, and therefore they came out victorious in 4 sets. If they plan to return to the final, they will clearly need to steady out that passing, and continue getting solid production from the starting OHs. I will say that I am more and more impressed with Sophomore Setter Carpenter. I do hope that cake tasted so good Penn State!
In another knock down dragged out dog fight, the third Regional Final of the day was Texas Longhorns versus Purdue Boilermakers. Oh Purdue – ever so close. As they did the night before against the overrated #1 Florida Gators, they came out with a game plan and was swinging with authority! Ariel Turner is a beast, and was letting everyone in Austin know it both nights. They showed their hustle, fighting spirit, once again tough serving, and consistent passing/defense. Anchored by what I believe to be a very underrated libero, the Boilermakers made a huge effort to dig every single ball Texas threw at them. Unfortunately, shortly after the match began, Senior Setter Jaclyn Hart was sidelined with a hamstring injury, and was forced to end her career right there in Austin. Purdue tried to regroup with their backup setter, but it was clearly a difference, as the passing broke down slightly, and the offense ran at a different tempo. While Hart quarterbacked this stellar and well-oiled machine of a team, it was simply not the same with a new person in charge on the court. With some very interesting and plainly WRONG calls by whack refs – doubles galore, it was not the night for Purdue.
WATCH: Excuse the profanity! But we love this fan! Cheered and recorded the match at the same time.
Deep in the heart of Texas lies a very emotional, passionate, fiery, and tough volleyball team! I am not going to completely talk about the technical aspect of their game on this night, because we all know its exactly what has plagued them the majority of the season (besides injuries). Just for ‘its and giggles’ though – inconsistent passing, lack of production offensively, and weak serving. In discussing Texas, I am going to approach some folks specifically. If they want and plan to return to the championship match, communication between McNeal and Palmer must be stellar. When passing two you must be on top of one another like Molten on a ball, completely in sync with one another. This was not necessarily the case during the regional final match. Palmer – you are the libero honey – take charge! Want the ball, call the ball, direct traffic back there, because that is YOUR domain! Amber Roberson – honey, eat a sandwich, and bulk up about 5-10 more pounds. The ‘Horns need to work on her left side blocking tremendously! Getting sucked into the net, missing the blocking assignments, and not really taking an area is NOT going to cut it. Teams play defense as a team. When blockers do not handle their business up front, it does nothing for the back row defense. I will say this however about Roberson – way to step it up when needed most. Finishing when the team called upon you most. Some very nice swings took place at the end of the match when Texas was facing a set 5 possibility. Speaking of back row defense – get it together! Why are defenders lining up behind the block? Hello – once again middle back defense can ya please control the end line? Trust me, it makes it so much easier to see whats happening up front, see the ball and the hitters better, rather than over running the ball/play, and getting burned.
There were some incredible moments by Texas during this back and forth match. I have to throw some shot outs. First and foremost, completely disrespected Jen Doris – WOW! Doris stepped up both offensively and defensively. Yet this time, it wasn’t defense at the net; it was digging hard driven balls in left back. In the right spot no doubt, Jen sparked her team’s effort in finishing off the Boilermakers in 4 sets. Her backslides and soft blocking were on point tonight. Yet why isn’t Jen Doris mentioned on any of the lists thus far? Why has she been overlooked? Very high hitting percentage that was leading the Big 12 conference, and one of the top in the nation (until Adams took over). Good for Doris showing tonight – screw you people for not sending me some love! The night was also highlighted by some very gutsy sets by Michelle Kocher. I was beyond impressed with her setting choices during this match. In my opinion, Kocher is a junior and has some very solid experience; she SHOULD be leading this team, right to the finals! Lauren Dickson – way to step in and contribute, displaying some great heads up plays, key digs toward the end, and even a few kills down the pipe. Both Roberson and Julianne came up big in set 4 when their team was playing some inspired defense. Swinging with tremendous authority and taking it to Purude with confidence.
(images from TexasSports.com)
Lastly for the ‘Horns, I have to say – Sha’ Dare McNeal also deserves some love. Generally it is those work horsemen that you want on the court beside you, and luckily for Texas they have one in her. I am constantly comparing her to great Cardinal Cassidy Lichtman – she sets, one of two primary passers, runs vicious slides, is a presence at the net blocking, hustling after balls heading into bleachers, and has a very nasty jump float serve. She needs to continue being that solid rock for this team if they want to beat Penn State. Leadership from both McNeal and Faucette will be crucial in order for them to dethrone The Nittany Lions.
(images from Nack Athens)
In the final match of the night, once again two Pac-10 teams faced each other as if it were the regular season (thanks committee!). University of Washington Huskies versus red hot Cal Bears. Although, Washington gave them all they had, Cal was simply too strong for the Huskies. Solid passing, defense, never giving up on plays, and big key blocks led them to the win. This time around the rowdy UW crowd was not able to push their girls to victory, as UW saw lots of service and hitting errors throughout their entire match. Playing in her final match in purple, the mistakes from Becky Perry just did not help their cause. Great coaching by Rich Feller, as he too had his team firing from all cylinders, and playing very well together as one unit. Although Cal lost to USC twice in the regular season, look for Cal (minus nerves) to remain focused, determined, and well-oiled in their second National Semi-Final in four years.
(image from AVCA)
Final Four is just in 3 short days, and we should be in for a fight! Four teams have made it to the big dance – some rightfully so and some…not so much! Texas will once again attempt to remove the crown from The Nittany Lions. This will be a very interesting match considering several All-Americans were lost from both teams last year to graduation. Keys to victory for both:
PSU – must get stable production from A. Scott and Balza; Deja must pass consistently; back row defense must be better than they have been in the past few weeks
Texas – pass, pass, and pass; do not play defense directly behind the block – reading hitters better on defense; all hitters must produce – Juliann, Amber, Rachael, Jen Doris, and McNeal; get the ball to Adams much more; Sarah Palmer MUST control and run the back row – direct traffic honey; and the ‘Horns absolutely have to push Penn State back on their heels; remain fired up even if they get down or behind in the match – they have to maintain their fighting spirit (oh and can someone teach you how to tip correctly…please?)
Cal – (this match is a potential battle). Hopefully the Bears have learned somethings after their two losses this season to USC, because they will need to be firing pin to pin. Their defensive specialists must run the show in the back court, and they absolutely have to be efficient offensively. Carli must make smart setting decisions, and run a smooth offense using all hitters. Being the #1 blocking team in the country on paper unless you can count on it when needed.
USC on the other hand is on a cloud high right now after a huge confidence boosting win vs. Stanford. If they can remain in check, and not make a ton of errors at the net, they will be able to push Cal around. Cal’s serving is not that tough, so USC should not have passing issues. Kendall Bateman will have to also be poised for her team and demand things from them if and when the boat rocks a bit.
(image from AVCA)
So, what are Turtle’s predictions? Oh Boy – I am not completely sure about this. I know what I want to happen and say, but the way folks have been playing could sway that a little. I am going to say that Texas comes up just a bit short, and PSU gets to their fourth final. In the second semifinal, I am going to say that USC beats Cal for a third time this season, and moves on to take the title. I do believe that USC’s size will be incredibly formidable against the big Lions. In addition, I think USC has just a bit more firepower than PSU. So…Turtle is going on record to say – USC will win 2010 NCAA Title.
See ya after the final
Turtle out!