NCAA Volleyball talk
Posted: November 25th, 2012, 12:27 amBeing in Springfield, I saw every game of the tourney. Going into today's final of Wichita vs Jays, I thot Shocks were the hottest team, but tonight the Jays pretty much controlled the match, taking the first two sets fairly decisively and then coming back from being down 5 points late in the 3rd set to win it 25-23.
Think Shocks should get an invite to the NCAA, but after that it gets dicey as to whether UNI gets one too. It's an impressive, young team that CU has put together.
Most of the top teams in The Valley have 4 starters or more coming back next year, so the conference should maintain a high profile in VB. Jays lose their exceptional Sr setter, Megan Bober, who was the Tourney MVP. Much like last year when UNI lost Bre Payton (the most dominating player I've seen in VB in The Valley), Jays will be seriously impacted from losing her, even tho they have a back-up, Michelle Sicner, who will be a great replacement.
Missouri State loses just one player, DS Shelby Strang, played signifcant role and minutes
Illinois State loses just one player, DS Jenny Menendez
Southern Illinois loses two: back up setter Rachel Brown and valuable Alysia Mayes, MB
Wichita loses two valuables: OH Emily Adney and Librero Jackie Church
Northern Iowa loses three valuables: OH Megan Lehman and Amy Braun and MB Krista DeGreest
Besides Bober, Creighton loses one valuable, MB Heather Thorson, and DS Brooke Boggs
So, there's a lot coming back next year. UNI and WSU lose the most.
I expect WSU to get a bid to the big dance. UNI will be on the bubble, probably not in.
Think Shocks should get an invite to the NCAA, but after that it gets dicey as to whether UNI gets one too. It's an impressive, young team that CU has put together.
Most of the top teams in The Valley have 4 starters or more coming back next year, so the conference should maintain a high profile in VB. Jays lose their exceptional Sr setter, Megan Bober, who was the Tourney MVP. Much like last year when UNI lost Bre Payton (the most dominating player I've seen in VB in The Valley), Jays will be seriously impacted from losing her, even tho they have a back-up, Michelle Sicner, who will be a great replacement.
Missouri State loses just one player, DS Shelby Strang, played signifcant role and minutes
Illinois State loses just one player, DS Jenny Menendez
Southern Illinois loses two: back up setter Rachel Brown and valuable Alysia Mayes, MB
Wichita loses two valuables: OH Emily Adney and Librero Jackie Church
Northern Iowa loses three valuables: OH Megan Lehman and Amy Braun and MB Krista DeGreest
Besides Bober, Creighton loses one valuable, MB Heather Thorson, and DS Brooke Boggs
So, there's a lot coming back next year. UNI and WSU lose the most.
I expect WSU to get a bid to the big dance. UNI will be on the bubble, probably not in.