The First 2 Weeks

Talking Turtle Says…

Well volleyball fans the first two weeks are officially in the books! And boy did we witness some interesting ball. Everything from top ranked upsets to the departure of highly touted player. IF this is any indication of the season, we are certainly in for a dramatic treat! Many of the teams pushed themselves right out of the gates taking on some tough competition. A few of the match ups included: (then) #1 Penn St vs #2 USC, #22 Long Beach State vs #7 Washington, #10 Hawaii vs #12 UCLA, and #11 Minnesota vs #4 Texas. True to form, there was drama all over the court!

The biggest upset thus far…well there have been two, maybe even three.

This year the annual AVCA Showcase was held in Pennsylvania, and I don’t know about you other fans, but it certainly didn’t feel like the traditional tournament. Although nice to be outside of red-Husker nation, it was just plain weird! And no air conditioning in that gym; come on PSU, we’re not trying to have heat strokes at the end of summer. What a first round match for the Oregon Ducks. This match certainly let not only the Pac-12 know, but the rest of women’s college volleyball know that they are a force to be reckoned with this season. They came out firing immediately pushing the Nittany Lions back on their heels. Their Achilles heel was exploited on this night: inconsistent passing, a lack of balanced offense, immaturity, and a true leader. Yes, there were great moments, but far less losing in 4 short sets. A balanced attack by both OHs, RS, and Middle, and tough serving (from Oregon) caused Penn State to lose on their home floor for the first time in 95 matches! The next big question would be could the Nittany Lions bounce back as they would face #2 USC Women of Troy. Without a doubt there was some maturity developed on night two, as various positions changed – enter Nia Grant (MB), new setter Micha Hancock, and last year’s Kristin Carpenter (who lead them to their 4th title) was switched to the libero spot. A blow to the ego? Perhaps, but she certainly came out digging some balls, and showing some intensity. Talk about making the most of your opportunities, I think Micha let us all know she means business!

Penn State would take out USC in 5 long hard fought sets, and hopefully regain some confidence. What, if anything, does this mean for them the rest of the season. Ehh – its too early! They’re young, inexperienced, and will have to work through the rough patches. Bold moves though by Russ – (position changes and) no Darcy Dorton! An even bigger test will come this weekend at the Nike Big Four Classic @ Stanford. Let’s be real, other than the first weekend, PSU has not been pushed…until in Palo Alto, where they’ll face three top ranked opponents (Stanford, Florida, and Texas). I can’t wait to write about this tournament, as we could see some break out performances.

Speaking of USC Women of Troy…no Falyn! After all the hype and speculation, the freshman phenom is where…in Hawaii? Gotta love the rumors. Will she turn into vb’s fallen angel? What would be USC’s identity without her? They showed a tough line up in their first match of the AVCA Showcase, having battled from a 0-2 deficit to beat (then) #12 ranked Minnesota Golden Gophers. They are balanced as long as standouts Fuller and Burnham can produce and remain consistent. On night two facing a…well, bitter and jaded Penn St, they had to battle once again. USC showed some of their own inconsistencies, and surprisingly immaturity being up 2-0, and losing in the fifth, 8-15. Inexcusable! They backed off as PSU stepped up. Miscommunication, no one wanted to take a swing at the ball, crappy passing, and more went all down hill.

*As of press time, Falyn Fonoimoana is reportedly going to University of Hawaii after USC declared her ineligible this season.

A week later their troubles continued. They showed its potentially more than just immaturity, in what could be considered the upset of the season (thus far), by losing to…UCF. Really? One would think with some seniors, they would be able to lead by example. Whats going on in Los Angeles? Does anyone know? Tell me because “…inquiring minds what to know!” Yes it early, but could this mean USC was simply hyped, and will not live up to expectations? Stay tuned…

Onto some other notable matches of the past two weeks.

Someone that I predicted would make some noise – Washington Huskies! As usual a pancake pre-schedule, but they certainly got all they could handle from Longbeach 49ers! Known over the past couple of years for their defense, the Niners definitely held true to form. Yet this time around, they were countered by Washington’s defense. Although hitting percentages were nothing to write home about, Washington proved to be the steadier team. Freshman sensations Krista Vansant and Summer Ross are earning their keep in Seattle. I think this team will definitely do some damage in the Pac-12, and exceed some expectations. In their toughest test prior to the start of conference play this weekend, the UCLA Bruins also showed they are a legitimate team to contend. Winning the Hawaiian Airlines tournament over the tenth ranked Rainbow Wahine certainly was a great way to start the always tough Pac-12 conference. Now ranked fifth in the nation, the Bruins will look to extend their current win streak against Pepperdine (once ranked), and cross town rivals #9 USC. This will be one to tune into (televised in tape delay).

Last but certainly not least, lets discuss the ever entertaining and generally stacked Texas Longhorns. Have they become the little engine that could ‘NOT’? Consistently producing top recruiting classes, the Longhorns continue to disappoint and struggle. One could also say “whats going on deep in the heart of Texas”! Their lasting problems are remaining healthy (heck even at the start of the season), passing, and now more than ever, consistent offense. Clearly struggling without the superb play of McNeal, Texas has something to prove this coming weekend out in California. Are they truly a top ranked team? Or will they continue to struggle with their own identity? With a baller in the middle (Rachel Adams), and front rows that are generally 6-1 and above, this team should be contending for the top spot in the nation. Yes, its early and many teams will endure growing pains, but come on UT…get it together sistas!

With conference play starting for some teams this coming weekend, there will surely be more upsets, drama, and possibly some stellar play on the court. A couple of teams to mention – the resurging Stanford Cardinal (hello #3…nice to see ya)! The Cardinal are trying to find themselves without their recent three All-Americans, and are off to a very nice start. As mentioned, their biggest test will come this weekend on their home court at the Nike Big Four Classic. Solid and improved play from Rachel Williams, and consistent offense and defense from Carly Wopat is definitely exceeding my expectations. Beating Nebraska in five sets was Colorado State. Just a fluke, or are they too legit (“…too legit to quit…hay hay…”)? Stay tuned! Illinois and Minnesota are also putting their names in the top ten currently. Receiving great offense from their OHs and RS, as well as some incredible defense; look for these two teams to only continue improving. Rounding out as the number one team in the land is the California Golden Bears. Also, not really tested in the pre-season, but they will have a couple more weeks to work out any kinks in their armor. And their armor is looking mighty nice! First up for them is conference foe Stanford, as the Bears host the Big Spike (9/13). Of course, I wanted to mention the Florida Gators…can never go without mentioning another lackluster team. Some solid play early on, but true to their form – a huge disappointing loss to #19 Iowa State. And yes, on the Gators’ home floor. Can they bounce back? What I noticed last night (9/5) was, as usual, they will need more than Murphy to carry them. Don’t ya just miss the days of Aury Cruz, Nikki and Amber McCray, Benevia Jenkins, and company?

Big weekend ahead, especially in Palo Alto – don’t miss a beat!

xoxo…

Talking Turtle

Side Dish: To know more about the 2011 NCAA Division I Tournament, click THIS.