The first part of this season, had me thinking that It might be time for Christy to move on. Recruiting seemed to be down, and they had some very unimpressive losses. I misread the situation as it turns out CJL was just finding the right combinations. She went to the 6-2, which as an AA setter, you know is not her preference. The came alive, and knocked off Texas, Baylor, and KU at home. They could never solve lowly KSU though, and we were reverse swept at KU.
The seniors who are out of eligibility include Holthaus, Newsome, Thomas , and Mitchell. I got the feeling looking at her in the game late, that Matz is moving on. Don’t know about Hatch and Shannon, but would think they would be welcomed back for a grad year.
The 6-2 worked this year to allow Morgan Brandt to get experience. I think we’re set at setter for the next three years. Stonestreet appears to put Libero back to being more what is expected at Libero U., though she does need to improve her passing.
The middle is in good shape with Englbrecht and Perry back, plus an MB recruit in McCune. Duckworth is an amazing athlete given her height. I really hope Hatch gives it another go as a grad. Even if she does, we’re going to need some more hitters to step up with just one recruit in Gonzalez. We really relied on seniors in that spot. Perhaps we can find another Thomas two in the portal.
Bottom line, we have some good pieces in the foundation, but CJL and her coaches are going to have to bring along a few hitters both outside and right side to get back to next year’s tournament. With NIL, however, the strong volleyball schools are only going to get stronger.
The seniors who are out of eligibility include Holthaus, Newsome, Thomas , and Mitchell. I got the feeling looking at her in the game late, that Matz is moving on. Don’t know about Hatch and Shannon, but would think they would be welcomed back for a grad year.
The 6-2 worked this year to allow Morgan Brandt to get experience. I think we’re set at setter for the next three years. Stonestreet appears to put Libero back to being more what is expected at Libero U., though she does need to improve her passing.
The middle is in good shape with Englbrecht and Perry back, plus an MB recruit in McCune. Duckworth is an amazing athlete given her height. I really hope Hatch gives it another go as a grad. Even if she does, we’re going to need some more hitters to step up with just one recruit in Gonzalez. We really relied on seniors in that spot. Perhaps we can find another Thomas two in the portal.
Bottom line, we have some good pieces in the foundation, but CJL and her coaches are going to have to bring along a few hitters both outside and right side to get back to next year’s tournament. With NIL, however, the strong volleyball schools are only going to get stronger.
