2021 Volleyball

valpotx · February 13, 2021, 11:43:42 AM

Does anyone know if Brittany Anderson chose Softball over Volleyball, due to the similar schedules? I noticed that she hasn't been playing in any Volleyball matches, though is listed on the roster, but played in the first 2 Softball games.

VU75 · February 13, 2021, 01:31:27 PM

Yes, I think they mentioned it during the Loyola broadcast.

Pgmado · February 13, 2021, 09:58:02 PM

https://www.nwitimes.com/sports/valpo-schedule-adjustments-force-brittany-anderson-to-choose-softball-over-volleyball/article_816d7538-cff8-5d81-b01f-64f3438908d1.html

bbtds · February 14, 2021, 06:48:59 AM

Quote from: valpotx on February 13, 2021, 11:43:42 AM
Does anyone know if Brittany Anderson chose Softball over Volleyball, due to the similar schedules? I noticed that she hasn't been playing in any Volleyball matches, though is listed on the roster, but played in the first 2 Softball games.

I think around Valpo they call it the "Samardzija Dilemma" Could Jeff have pushed the Bears over the Colts in the Super Bowl?

vu72 · February 14, 2021, 08:26:55 AM

Quote from: bbtds on February 14, 2021, 06:48:59 AM
Quote from: valpotx on February 13, 2021, 11:43:42 AM
Does anyone know if Brittany Anderson chose Softball over Volleyball, due to the similar schedules? I noticed that she hasn't been playing in any Volleyball matches, though is listed on the roster, but played in the first 2 Softball games.

I think around Valpo they call it the "Samardzija Dilemma" Could Jeff have pushed the Bears over the Colts in the Super Bowl?

It appears that way. Don't know about why vut obviously she couldn't be in two places at once. I guess with the highly regarded freshman setter coming in she thought she was more needed on the softball team.

valpotx · February 14, 2021, 03:10:41 PM

It sounds like she hopes to come back for a 5th year, and I hope that will be at Valpo. It wouldn't surprise me if a P5 comes after her, as she is good. I don't remember reading about it, but Kelsie Packard, a solid pitcher on the softball team, ended up going to the Illini for her grad transfer year.

IndyValpo · February 15, 2021, 11:03:20 AM

Quote from: valpotx on February 14, 2021, 03:10:41 PM
It sounds like she hopes to come back for a 5th year, and I hope that will be at Valpo. It wouldn't surprise me if a P5 comes after her, as she is good. I don't remember reading about it, but Kelsie Packard, a solid pitcher on the softball team, ended up going to the Illini for her grad transfer year.

It will be interesting as Coach Avery does not rotate setters and Buhlman seems to be pretty solid.

vu72 · February 19, 2021, 08:51:18 AM

So nobody noticed that Valpo almost took down #13 Notre Dame? Had a chance to watch from my office. Great match but we lost in 5. That is maybe the third of fourth 5 setter we have lost. We need to get over that hump and this team could be very good.

valpotx · February 19, 2021, 04:28:26 PM

Yep, I noticed. Our FR setter is really good, and seems to have improved the play of her sister, as well!

valpotx · February 20, 2021, 03:12:34 AM

For a mid-major athletics program, we have a good amount of SC Top 10 highlights over the years:

https://www.facebook.com/valpoathletics/videos/274891557348573

valpotx · February 23, 2021, 01:18:43 AM

If you want to watch a defensive clinic, you will want to check out our 3-2 victory over a solid ISUr team on Monday! In particular, sets 4 and 5. Great first victory over the Redbirds, since entering the MVC, which was picked to finish second this season. I know that it helps that Cookerly is just 5'1" in the Libero position, but her reaction times to some booming shots, are just amazing.

vu72 · February 23, 2021, 12:25:40 PM

Quote from: valpotx on February 23, 2021, 01:18:43 AM
If you want to watch a defensive clinic, you will want to check out our 3-2 victory over a solid ISUr team on Monday! In particular, sets 4 and 5. Great first victory over the Redbirds, since entering the MVC, which was picked to finish second this season. I know that it helps that Cookerly is just 5'1" in the Libero position, but her reaction times to some booming shots, are just amazing.

I watched most of it and finally, they win a five setter. 15-2 in the final is an off the charts butt kicking! They are now 4-6 but 4 of the loses came in five setters. I think they can be very good.

valpotx · March 07, 2021, 09:50:58 PM

Quality win against Bradley today, and hope for the same tomorrow! If you haven't watched us this season, you should. Amazing digs by our team in each match. We are currently #2 in the nation in digs/set, and the MVC actually has the top 3 in the nation in this category (Bradley #1). Definitely a defensive league.

http://www.valpoathletics.com/volleyball/boxscore/2020-21/8713/bradley-vs-valpo-03-07-2021/

vu72 · March 08, 2021, 08:17:05 AM

Volleyball has definitely stepped it up to the MVC level. Another top 7 or 8 conference in this sport. Very fun to watch. Get it done again today against a team that was 7-3 in conference!

valpotx · March 14, 2021, 05:17:11 PM

Our Volleyball program is just so good historically, and proving itself year-in and year-out since our move to the MVC, which is one of the toughest Volleyball conferences in the nation. It is consistently a multi-bid league.

I just watched us earn our first ever win over a Northern Iowa program, which has been ranked at several times over the last few years. We went up 2 sets to none, fell down 10-2 in set 3, and almost came back to sweep, losing that set 27-25. We eventually pull it out 3-2!

Fyi, the net pole pads still say 'Crusaders,' as does the massive backdrop over the Mezzanine, and the chairs that the athletes sit on. What stupid timing in the announcement on our mascot name. It could have waited until this Summer. Whether it was an Interim President or Padilla, it would have made no difference at that point. People would have still been upset or supportive, if it waited until after the athletic season completed.

talksalot · March 14, 2021, 07:31:32 PM

First ever win over UNI today.. rematch tomorrow.

VUGrad1314 · March 14, 2021, 10:32:12 PM

Today was a good day...

VUFan2021 · March 15, 2021, 06:40:16 AM

Congrats to Coach Avery's squad in their big win today! Lets' hope for a repeat tomorrow! Always impressed with her team's consistency and cohesiveness, the squad sure looks like they are having a blast during their matches.

vu72 · March 15, 2021, 08:12:10 AM

Quote from: talksalot on March 14, 2021, 07:31:32 PM
First ever win over UNI today.. rematch tomorrow.

As was the win earlier over Illinois State. Clearly a team on the rise and with a freshman setter to boot! After losing the first four five setters of the season, they have won three in a row!

valpotx · March 16, 2021, 01:18:07 AM

We complete a 3-0 sweep in the second match, to now up our record to 2-14 against UNI. This team is legit, and congrats to Cookerly on moving into the NCAA all-time top 25 in digs!

http://www.valpoathletics.com/volleyball/news/2020-21/20295/volleyball-sweeps-uni-monday-completes-series-victory/

valpotx · March 23, 2021, 12:53:34 AM

So are Cookerly and McCarthy coming back for another season?

https://www.valpoathletics.com/volleyball/news/2020-21/20325/volleyball-drops-home-finale-monday-to-indiana-state/?fbclid=IwAR0IJCcHvVxTGt0nFm-kWj3rD7FpWFGUDVyrkHlqY3Bt50CivZrZCkFzk4Y

IndyValpo · March 23, 2021, 10:49:01 PM

Quote from: valpotx on March 23, 2021, 12:53:34 AM
So are Cookerly and McCarthy coming back for another season?

https://www.valpoathletics.com/volleyball/news/2020-21/20325/volleyball-drops-home-finale-monday-to-indiana-state/?fbclid=IwAR0IJCcHvVxTGt0nFm-kWj3rD7FpWFGUDVyrkHlqY3Bt50CivZrZCkFzk4Y

I read somewhere Cookerly is coming back. Based on this I assume McCarthy is as well. I big question is what do you do with Anderson as our current setter is really solid. Does anyone play 2 setters at once?

valpotx · March 24, 2021, 12:24:09 AM

I had thought that Brittany was graduating, she is also returning? The younger Bulmahn is very good, and not to discount the SR Bulmahn's individual efforts, but she has drastically improved her older sister's play. I don't think that you can sit that type of talent, solely because a Senior is coming back.

vusupporter · March 24, 2021, 10:04:23 AM

Quote from: IndyValpo on March 23, 2021, 10:49:01 PM
Quote from: valpotx on March 23, 2021, 12:53:34 AM
So are Cookerly and McCarthy coming back for another season?

https://www.valpoathletics.com/volleyball/news/2020-21/20325/volleyball-drops-home-finale-monday-to-indiana-state/?fbclid=IwAR0IJCcHvVxTGt0nFm-kWj3rD7FpWFGUDVyrkHlqY3Bt50CivZrZCkFzk4Y
I read somewhere Cookerly is coming back. Based on this I assume McCarthy is as well. I big question is what do you do with Anderson as our current setter is really solid. Does anyone play 2 setters at once?

Yes, running what is known as a 6-2 formation is quite common - it allows you to always have your setter in the back row, which means you always have three hitters up front. The downside is different setters have different rhythms, and in the 6-2, each is only setting half the time. It also decreases your flexibility for subbing other spots on the floor, given the number of subs it uses.

vu72 · March 24, 2021, 11:47:40 AM

My understanding is that Anderson is such a good athlete that she can play in different positions, not just setter. She is 5'11" the same as outside hitter Jillie Grant. Karen has always wanted players who can play different positions, witness Bella Ravotto, who ended up being the libero when Rylee was out for a death in the family.

2021 Volleyball

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