2023 Volleyball thread

[TigersTigers 69]

I’ve been busy with work, and so didn’t get to watch these last two matches. But outside of Day 1 against South Carolina this has been a bad start to the season. These are really bad teams that we’re struggling to beat. The same issues that plagued them last year are still present, and are even exacerbated by some turnover/uncertainty at the setter and libero positions: our attackers are awesome, and are way above the normal mid-major level for offensive players. But our ball control is shaky, which decreases set quality, which means our great hitters are having to hit mostly crap sets. Furthermore, some of Sarah Jordan’s decision making in the SC loss was not at the standard it needs to be if this team wants to reach the same heights it did last year. I’ve said it before and it will forever be the dilemma for Towson: it doesn’t matter how many amazing attackers you have, if you can’t pass and set the ball, they never get a chance to attack.

[mat1992 2,237]

Sweeps Temple

https://x.com/towson_vb/status/1698138374002139531?s=46&t=nScacl1TWT-KyOwj5stBaw

[TigersTigers 69]

The Tigers finish the weekend 5-0 against pretty weak competition across the board. Overall, they improved over the course of the weekend, although losing a match was never really on the table. Next up is a huge week, as they close out nonconference against two top 25 teams, Washington State and BYU, along with a pretty strong UC Irvine team. None of those teams are as good as Pitt was last year, but this will be the toughest weekend across the board since 2018. It’s very possible that they could play fairly well and still go 0-3. However, 1-2 is far more likely. 
 

while there have been some definite underperformers so far this season, there has been one huge positive standout: Irbe Lazda won Offensive POTW this week, after winning Defensice POTW last week. She has emerged as a third huge attacking weapon for this team, on par with Cajic and Barrett (who has been concerningly inconsistent). Her full realization of her potential adds yet another dimension to the embarrassment of riches that Don has it his disposal on the offensive side of the ball.

[mat1992 2,237]

Lose in four sets to #8 BYU

https://x.com/towson_vb/status/1699870483364344134?s=46&t=nScacl1TWT-KyOwj5stBaw

 

https://x.com/byuwvolleyball/status/1699874653253357974?s=46&t=nScacl1TWT-KyOwj5stBaw

[TigersTigers 69]

I was at work and only caught bits and pieces of this one, but there’s no need for alarm after this one. This was a very good performance from the Tigers, and there are a lot of positives to take away. A game like this makes me think they’ve got a shot at beating Washington State, who is not as good as BYU. Of course, they have to play as well.

[mat1992 2,237]

Tigers fall in three to #13 Washington State

https://towsontigers.com/news/2023/9/8/womens-volleyball-towson-volleyball-falls-to-13-washington-state.aspx

[TigersTigers 69]

As projected, the Tigers finish the weekend 1-2 with a 3-1 win over UCI. It was by no means a bad weekend, just a difficult one. These matches will go a long way toward preparing them for the NCAA tournament (assuming they get there), and will also help in the RPI department, as both BYU and Wazzu will be racking up the wins this year. It’s also worth noting that as of writing this, South Carolina’s only loss is day 1 against Towson. As the quality of opponent decreased, Towson’s talent became more apparent, and this team still looks poised to be the frontrunner in the CAA. All about conference now, as the Tigers open with two freebies against Hampton.

[mat1992 2,237]

https://x.com/towson_vb/status/1700283537138634811?s=46&t=nScacl1TWT-KyOwj5stBaw

[mat1992 2,237]

https://x.com/towson_vb/status/1700303342965264752?s=46&t=nScacl1TWT-KyOwj5stBaw

[Blounge 521]

Palpable buzz for this one