[Hieronymus]

1701207621[/url]']

1701204468[/url]']
A lot of incredible talents on this team who all deserved the praise and awards they're receiving.  The long term memory of this senior class rests of their success in the tournament.  They have as much talent (if not more) than any team in the country.  That was nearly true last year when we collapsed and lost focus in the last two sets against USD leaving us all (players included) feeling disappointed.  A final four is a must.  A national championship is certainly attainable if we can keep our focus and stay in synch for a full match.  We can't afford to start out slow in set one and give away sets like we've done in the last month.

PREDICTIONS Everyone.  I think we reach the Final Four with victories over ASU (easy) and UT (much tougher than early in the season).  That will put us most likely against Wisconsin, a team with a great defensive front line that likely will cause some problems.  We play well and focused, we win.  If Kipp can take over (as a player of the year candidate can hitting >.350 with 3-4 aces), Rubin or Baird hit .300, and we can keep our return errors 5 or less, we win.  I don't think the championship against Nebraska or Pitt/Louisville will be as difficult if we have make it this far.  I see the semis as a 50-50 match.

Go Card!

I think first 2 matches will be relatively stress free (hopefully).
The 3rd match I worry about, vs ASU or BYU.
If we are not playing well, a down day for us, either of those teams on their good day could upset us.
Of course need to win every game, but need to win this 3rd match decisively I think to keep confidence and momentum going.
If barely scrape by, of course a win is great, but then exposes weakness that might be more exploited by yet better opponents coming up, with UTex or Tenn likely up next.
So to me that 3rd match a key indicator of the tournament progress and prospects for us.

The second ASU match was a train wreck, burn the tape game. Passes, serves, sets and swings flying everywhere. It was so bad I remember one play where Rubin was landing as the set arrived. I know they have been a bit erratic the last third of the year, but I don’t expect any real challenges until Texas even if there are some fits and starts in the first three rounds. At even mediocre play levels, this team is too good.

[Hieronymus]

1701207621[/url]']

1701204468[/url]']
A lot of incredible talents on this team who all deserved the praise and awards they're receiving.  The long term memory of this senior class rests of their success in the tournament.  They have as much talent (if not more) than any team in the country.  That was nearly true last year when we collapsed and lost focus in the last two sets against USD leaving us all (players included) feeling disappointed.  A final four is a must.  A national championship is certainly attainable if we can keep our focus and stay in synch for a full match.  We can't afford to start out slow in set one and give away sets like we've done in the last month.

PREDICTIONS Everyone.  I think we reach the Final Four with victories over ASU (easy) and UT (much tougher than early in the season).  That will put us most likely against Wisconsin, a team with a great defensive front line that likely will cause some problems.  We play well and focused, we win.  If Kipp can take over (as a player of the year candidate can hitting >.350 with 3-4 aces), Rubin or Baird hit .300, and we can keep our return errors 5 or less, we win.  I don't think the championship against Nebraska or Pitt/Louisville will be as difficult if we have make it this far.  I see the semis as a 50-50 match.

Go Card!

I think first 2 matches will be relatively stress free (hopefully).
The 3rd match I worry about, vs ASU or BYU.
If we are not playing well, a down day for us, either of those teams on their good day could upset us.
Of course need to win every game, but need to win this 3rd match decisively I think to keep confidence and momentum going.
If barely scrape by, of course a win is great, but then exposes weakness that might be more exploited by yet better opponents coming up, with UTex or Tenn likely up next.
So to me that 3rd match a key indicator of the tournament progress and prospects for us.

The second ASU match was a train wreck, burn the tape game. Passes, serves, sets and swings flying everywhere. It was so bad I remember one play where Rubin was landing as the set arrived. I know they have been a bit erratic the last third of the year, but I don’t expect any real challenges until Texas even if there are some fits and starts in the first three rounds. At even mediocre play levels, this team is too good.