[chimera]

I watched on TV.  That fourth set was riveting.  We came from what....5 points down and fought off 4 match points and had two chances to win the set.  A lot of fortitude to do that...such a shame it fell just the tiniest bit short or there would have been a decisive 5th set.  Breaks a three year winning streak at Maples.

Seemed to me the team was a bit weary, probably mentally more than anything, and flat.  BYU played well but if we were on, we win in three.  I love a hard schedule but I think this one, combined with two trips east, was too much.  Played 6 top 10 or close teams in the span of 17 days with two trips east just a few days apart.  I don't see how a team can be "up" for all those big games in a row.  I don't see how all the travel in that short amount of time doesn't take a toll.  Nobody plays that many top games in that time frame ever, not in the NCAAs where the first game or two are usually not that hard for the top seeds and there is not so much crazy travel.  

I generally like the challenge the team philosophy of scheduling, but this was over the top.  If the travel was less, maybe one swing east, and more games at home, that might have made it better.

[chimera]

I watched on TV.  That fourth set was riveting.  We came from what....5 points down and fought off 4 match points and had two chances to win the set.  A lot of fortitude to do that...such a shame it fell just the tiniest bit short or there would have been a decisive 5th set.  Breaks a three year winning streak at Maples.

Seemed to me the team was a bit weary, probably mentally more than anything, and flat.  BYU played well but if we were on, we win in three.  I love a hard schedule but I think this one, combined with two trips east, was too much.  Played 6 top 10 or close teams in the span of 17 days with two trips east just a few days apart.  I don't see how a team can be "up" for all those big games in a row.  I don't see how all the travel in that short amount of time doesn't take a toll.  Nobody plays that many top games in that time frame ever, not in the NCAAs where the first game or two are usually not that hard for the top seeds and there is not so much crazy travel.  

I generally like the challenge the team philosophy of scheduling, but this was over the top.  If the travel was less, maybe one swing east, and more games at home, that might have made it better.