Volleyball 2014

[valpotx]

Another disappointing loss tonight at home against UIC, losing 3-1.  All 4 sets went down to the wire.  We need to right this ship ASAP, as a VERY promising season is again faltering in the conference season.  That hard fought loss at Milwaukee was understandable, but losses at Oakland and home against UIC, are not games we should be losing.

http://www.valpoathletics.com/volleyball/news/2014-15/14011/crusaders-fall-at-home-to-uic/#.VEH_bHnQOUk

[original sin]

Beating up on +200`s RPI teams pre conference IMO does not get you ready to play at another level.

[valpotx]

Well darn, another bad loss to NDSU today.  We fought hard, but went down 3-2 (15-13).  NDSU is now 8-14, but 2-6 in the Summit League...

[vu72]

Well darn, another bad loss to NDSU today.  We fought hard, but went down 3-2 (15-13).  NDSU is now 8-14, but 2-6 in the Summit League...

Agree.  The wind is coming out of the volleyball team's sails.  I'm thinking it is similar to last year's basketball team where the freshman hit the wall and never fully recovered.  Of the seven players mentioned in the recap, only two were seniors while two are freshman, two are sophomores and one a junior.

[valpotx]

Back on the winning track with a 3-0 win at Chicago State.  CSU has never been good at volleyball, so this was a confidence builder game.

[LaPorteAveApostle]

At anything, really

[original sin]

Chicago State, really!?

[vu72]

Ugh.   

[bbtds]

I watched most of the UWM match. Valpo just doesn't have the spikers or the setters to get enough hard hits at the net. The Crusaders do a lot more dinking and off-the-wrong-foot pats to win matches right now. They will have to find more talent on the front line than they have now.

[valpotx]

Such an unfortunate turn of events as soon as we hit conference, that even led to a loss against an NDSU team holding up the rear of our old conference.  Hopefully we can manage a top 4 finish, but if this keeps up, we might get our lowest finish since joining the HL...

We can't blame our recent home losses on attendance, as we had 953 for this game, and are averaging 520 per game! 

[valporun]

valpotx, the Crusader Scholarship Challenge is definitely skewing the attendance figures. A great marketing scheme is paying off in people at games, but wins help get more people than gimmicks like points leader gets a free year of tuition.

[bbtds]

valpotx, the Crusader Scholarship Challenge is definitely skewing the attendance figures. A great marketing scheme is paying off in people at games, but wins help get more people than gimmicks like points leader gets a free year of tuition.

FYI, the code word was "Bruinsma" do I get points?

Ba dum tssshhh: http://youtu.be/bcYppAs6ZdI

[valpotx]

Unfortunately, we blew a great opportunity in set 3, when we had several chances to win.  That long set doomed us in set 4, where we lacked motivation.  This conference season is a big disappointment.  Luckily, that means we should still be the 3 seed if we beat UIC.

[vu72]

Our team is struggling.  Won is 5 over a 13-16 IPFW team.  We won't get past the first round of our tourney with performances like this.  Hard to say why they are faltering.   

[valpotx]

Looking at our roster, we only have 3 Seniors and 2 Juniors.  A bunch of FR and SOs are getting playing time this season, which hopefully bodes well for the next 2 seasons. 

[valpospartan]

Looking at our roster, we only have 3 Seniors and 2 Juniors.  A bunch of FR and SOs are getting playing time this season, which hopefully bodes well for the next 2 seasons. 

Two of the frosh are starters, and are really good.

[valpotx]

We beat UIC 3-0 to clinch 3rd place in the regular season.  Hopefully we can do some damage in the tourney, as we can beat any of these teams.

[valpopal]

Emily Campbell has been selected a Horizon League Co-Player of the Year. Other team members honored include the two Kelseys, Victor and Berrington, who were chosen for the All-League Team. Also, Allison Ketcham and Taylor Graboski made the All-Freshman Team.

[tweet]534461412840833024[/tweet]

[valpospartan]

Emily Campbell has been selected a Horizon League Co-Player of the Year. Other team members honored include the two Kelseys, Victor and Berrington, who were chosen for the All-League Team. Also, Allison Ketcham and Taylor Graboski made the All-Freshman Team.

[tweet]534461412840833024[/tweet]

A well deserved award. Emily is an awesome Volleyball player.

[valpotx]

Yes, she has a great future.  I hope that she sticks with our program, and doesn't pull an Amy Palash, as she could play at a larger school too. 

[valpotx]

We beat UIC 3-0 to move to the semis against our archrival in volleyball, Milwaukee!  Let's go ladies!!

[valpotx]

We go down 3-0 to Milwaukee.  We just can't ever beat them.  Good season Seniors, and let's win a title again someday! 

[vu72]

We were picked to win it but somehow we either don't quite have the talent or aren't able to play together.  Lots of wins again but not enough against the talent in the Horizon.  Lots of talent returning so hopefully next year will be the charm! Congrats on a very nice year.

[sliman]

Not sure what "we were picked to win it" refers to, but we were picked second behind Milwaukee in the pre-season poll and narrowly ahead of Oakland.   I'm sure everyone thought we had a shot at Milwaukee today, but they've been tough when they need to be.

[valpotx]

Another great recruiting class for Volleyball.  Hopefully this class can help us get back to the NCAA tourney!

http://valpoathletics.com/volleyball/news/2014-15/14177/crusaders-announce-trio-of-volleyball-signees/#.VH9hsjHF8Xg