Really? Did we all just witness 4 straight years of Penn State Nittany Lions dominance? This year their 109 match win streak broken. Losing to more than 1 conference opponent during the season. Starting two freshmen at Outside Hitter. What does all of this mean about the program? Do they have the best coach of all-time at the helm? Lets break this down just a little bit for the last time of the 2010 NCAA Volleyball Season.
Keys of the match for Penn State: solid passing and defense, strong play from both freshmen outside hitters, spread offense, blocking, and a rock solid performance from their sophomore setter.
Keys of the match for Cal: strong serving, hitting from pin to pin, leadership from NPOY Carli Lloyd and Murrey, consistent passing, and the passion/fight they’ve displayed all season long that lead them to the Final.
(image from si.com)
Clearly all of this did not go to plan for the Cal Bears. Right from the start, they seemed out of system – bad setting choices, lack of offensive production, passing and defense miscues, and completely deer in headlight expressions. The recently crowned National Player of the Year, Carli Lloyd did NOT lead her team as she did indeed deserve this award. Yes, lots of people added her to the conversation late, but did she actually earn this award? My thoughts – NO. Carli has made tremendous improvements over her four years. She is a stellar athlete, a natural born fighter who shows emotion and passion for the game, and a solid setter. However, she bailed on her comments from earlier this season. Her Bears got exactly what they asked for – a date with destiny, yet this time it was certainly NOT to be!
The freshman libero Robyn R and senior DS Megan S clearly did not help the team’s quest as well – shanking passing over and over (especially on the big points). There were miscommunications throughout the match that (as I have mentioned with other matches) should not happen in the final match of the season and some of their careers. The two lone seniors did not step to the plate as all had hoped. In fact this match for Cal was very much similar to the semi final match PSU vs. Texas. The only true bright spot was of course, Junior Outside Hitter, Tarah Murrey. Yes she committed errors, however, she was the only real consistent threat. Sadly, Carli chose to ride her at the wrong times, and even trapped her quite often. Naturally with over 50-60 swings in three sets, Murrey tired. Both middle blockers should have seen the ball as they have all season, including RS Correy Johnson. This was the perfect time – the last time, for Lloyd to show off her very talented team. And as we all have stated, she simply did not do that!
(image from gopsusports.com)
The Nittany Lions stuck to their game plane. Play hard, go at Cal, pass and serve tough, error-free ball. Yes, there were some mistakes on their end as well, that certainly gave a little life to Cal. However, PSU was simply too tough on the bigger points. They played them better and smarter throughout the entire match. Clearly this team has matured over the past couple of months. I would even say that it is safe to bet their last loss to Minnesota before the tournament started was a complete wake up, and possibly even a motivating factor. There are tons of folks all over that did not want to see this happen; yet that did not matter in Happy Valley.
(image from gopsusports.com)
I believe Rose is by far one of the best coaches in NCAA history. His tactful game plans, his preparation with his players, and of course – his sweaters. You must not forget about his lucky sweaters. He doesn’t always appear to be the warmest and friendliest on the bench, however, its not that type of contest. Sports are truly about out thinking your opponents, and in the past four years – four very long years, Coach Russ Rose has been the master at it. Tough teams all season long they have dismantled. Teams they should’ve actually lost to with their new/fresh roster. However, this senior class and great coaching staff would not allow this to happen. So as standard, the next question is: what will happen next year? Some people are so sick and tired of seeing them on top, the immediate question is: who is there next year to hopefully dethrone them?
(image from PSU Women’s Volleyball Facebook Page)
Lots of teams will have talented rosters; teams will have gained much needed experiences for younger players. Texas will be strong with another stellar recruiting class. Washington has been thrown into the mix of things. Illinois will be good once again. Oh The Gators – I am still shaking my head there, yet they should have another solid roster. Personally, I do believe that Stanford will have a ton of work to do, and truthfully I do not see them back in the top five. USC on the other hand who returns all starting 6-7 players – LOOK OUT Final Four! And of course – Cal will be very good once again, and certainly players will be poised to return to the high ranks.
(image from PSU Women’s Volleyball Facebook Page)
Lastly, many have also stated various comments about the season. Was this really one of the boring ones? No clear cut favorite. No major standout team this season. Finally an equal playing field for the top 10. However, what also came along with some of this was a fairly boring season. No flashy players. No one that jumps out at us, and can take over a match when needed. No Destinee Hooker, Ashley Engle, the Fab 3 of PSU ( Fawcett, Glass and Hodge), former NPOY Ogonna Nnamani, no Stacey Gordon. Is that what we all want in seasons to come? Or do we want a solid equal playing field for their NOT to be a clear cut winner? It will be another interesting year in 2011-12 season with newcomers and some returnees – Vansant, Bell, Hutson, Amanda Gill, Adams, McNeal, Dorton, Murphy, and Ward. Lets hope that at least the top 10 will be a true TOP 10 next year. Like the Pac-10 generally, and this year in the Big Ten, I personally hope that teams are beating each other up left and right. And when it comes time, we will witness tougher matches with better competition, passion, and fight in players! Oh and it would be ever so nice for the committees to …GET IT RIGHT!
(image from PSU Women’s Volleyball Facebook Page)
Talking with Turtle says – see ya next year!
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