ISU: Cyclones Picked Sixth; Manns Preseason All-Big 12

[Jeremy]

AMES, Iowa – The Iowa State volleyball team has been picked to finish sixth in the Big 12 in a vote of the league’s coaches, the conference office announced Tuesday. ISU junior setter Kaylee Manns was named to the preseason All-Big 12 team for the second time in her career.

The Cyclones tallied 55 votes for sixth in the poll, sitting just behind Missouri, which received 62 votes. Texas tallied 10 of 11 first place votes to earn the preseason nod for first while Kansas State garnered the other top vote and was picked third overall behind Nebraska. Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own teams.

Texas A&M was fourth with 71 votes followed by Missouri. The Cyclones were picked ahead of Colorado, Baylor, Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas Tech.

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[Dormeezy]

At first glance of the title, I thought this was referring to men's basketball and Clinton Mann. A guy can dream, can't he?

[whirlybirds]

Originally Posted by Dormeezy

At first glance of the title, I thought this was referring to men's basketball and Clinton Mann. A guy can dream, can't he?

me too

[Benny34]

Oklahoma State doesn't have volleyball??

[BenEClone]

Were we hurt that much by graduation or is the conference that good? I had the impression we were at or near to being a top 20 team. I hope we surprise some people.

[theshadow]

It's entirely possible that the 6th-place Big 12 team could be in the Top 25.

[tec71]

It is possible that 5th or 6th in the conference could be 20th-30th in the ratings. TX and NE are that good that they both can be top 5 programs, certainly top 10. We lost our best player to graduation, as well as a critical person on the right side. OSU doesn't have volleyball. Anyone know how many Big XII sports only have 10 or 11 schools?

[mjones34]

Hopefully they can make a run again this year.

[The_Architect]

We need Spanny to post in this thread.

[theshadow]

Originally Posted by tec71

Anyone know how many Big XII sports only have 10 or 11 schools?

FB, MBB, WBB, T&F, XC, W Tennis: 12
Volleyball: 11 (no OSU)
Soccer: 11 (no KSU)
Baseball: 10 (no CU, ISU)
Softball: 10 (no CU, KSU)
Men's Tennis: 7 (no CU, ISU, KU, KSU, MU)
Women's swimming: 6
Wrestling: 5
Gymnastics: 4
Men's swimming: 3

[spanny]

You called out the thunder architect! Here I am baby! I know just enough about volleyball to confuse me and everyone around me! There block and defense has always been a strong point and it will continue to be. They have a great crop of freshman, many of whom, I believe will compete for some serious time, particularly on the outside, where they were not that deep last year. I look forward to seeing some more great crowds there this year. Kaylee Manns is a fantastic setter, very athletic. Libero Ashley Mass played amazing last year, she will keep that up. I am pretty geeked up about this year!

[DaddyMac]

First and foremost, we lost big bomber Erin Boeve - out best player. We also have a very young team with only 3 sr and 2 jrs.

One of the juniors being Kaylee Manns, our setter and preseason all-conf (get used to hearing that out of ISU setters as long as CJ is at the helm).

As Spanny said, a young team but a well regarded incoming freshman class - ranked 25, best ever by ISU. Looks as if all 4 incoming freshman are all 1st team all state from Neb or Wis - respectable volleyball states (she still needs to establish a pipeline out of Dubuque Wahlert ). Also one of the taller teams I can recall with 6 our players 6' or taller, another 3 at 5' 10" or taller.

Also - although we don't get the hype west coast schools do, the Big XII is pretty close to a powerhouse volleyball conference. NU is a perenial top 5/10 team and regular fixture in the final-four. Texas, likewise is a top 10 team regularly and always in the hunt for a deep run in the NCAA's. Top programs nationally.

If someone emerges as a go to hitter and we develop good balance - expect the team to improve as the season progresses. Make no mistake -Christie Johnson is probably the top young coach around. She's been there, done that. We saw the results in last season's performance and the offseason recruiting.

What the heck, I'll say we finish 4th with another NCAA bid, playing very strong in Nov.

[spanny]

Don't forget last year we should have beat Texas, we were up like 14-11 in the 5th set . Also they changed it from games to sets this year, and the whole day is called a match, as if tigershoops wasn't confused enough! Our middles, although not All American talent like Boeve, will be strong this year. Get out and see the Cyclones whoop some Big XII tail. I like daddymac see some serious postseason action this season, in fact I am saying get used to it. I also look for a 4th place finish, K-state Texas and Nebraska will again be the best, but I think we can take play with them. Hopefully we can take advantagde of Nebraska's crazy offseason!

[theshadow]

Sets are now to 25 each instead of 30.

ISU was up 14-9 on Texas in the 5th last year before losing 18-16. Seven match points and couldn't close it out.

Circle Sept. 27 on your calendar: Nebraska at Iowa State. No football game to miss that weekend.

[DaddyMac]

Originally Posted by theshadow

Sets are now to 25 each instead of 30.

ISU was up 14-9 on Texas in the 5th last year before losing 18-16. Seven match points and couldn't close it out.

Circle Sept. 27 on your calendar: Nebraska at Iowa State. No football game to miss that weekend.

I really wish that game was more like mid to late Oct. NU is always so powerful and that's not much time for our youth to get much experience. But like Spanny said - maybe the jolt of losing Holloway will be our opportunity.

Kind of wonder what's going on over there recently- this is the second NU setter to leave before their eligibility was up......