No. 22 Creighton vs No. 24 Cyclones

[psyclone51]

This tournament is working out well for the 'Clones. They got an easier game first against the Shockers and tomorrow will take on Creighton, a much more challenging foe. Creighton has a number of key returnees including their kill leader and All-American as a freshman in Jaali Winters plus a transfer - Lydia Dimke - at the setter position.

Based on last night's game, we are well ahead of this point last year, and have a lot more depth. Jess did not have her best game last night, although she was still pretty darn good, so watch out for her tomorrow; I expect her to be on fire. Conaway and Capezio looked fully on their game, justifying their being named to the B12 Pre-season team. I was very impressed with Berta at Libero. I thought our passing was improved from last year as well. Gotta love our depth too.

Let's see how the keys to 2016 success work out: improved setting and blocking.

The above ranking for Ceighton is from Prep Volleyball. AVCA which is probably a better gauge, has Creighton further ahead of us at 18 while we are not in the top 25. As mentioned above, Creighton returns 4 starters from a team that finished 27-9 and won the Big East regular season and tournament last year. In addition to Winters, they have an Honorable Mention AVCA All American in the middle (Lauren Smith). Last year, Creighton averaged 14 kills, 16.6 digs, 2.4 blocks and 1.2 aces per set. They also hit an average .248.

Should be a good one, and a good test for the Cyclones, to see where we are at compared to a solid top 20 team.

 

[CY9008]

I thought CJLs squad was good, not great last night. Like you said, we are definitely ahead of where we were last year at this time.

I was somewhat suprised to see Horner get the start at S but she had a solid game. Mixed it up but didn't push too hard to the outside like an inexperienced setter would. Most of this was due to decent serve receive by our back row.

Tomorrow's match against the Jays should be a good one...I'd be pretty dissapointed if we didn't keep it close at the very least.

 

[psyclone51]

With Wichita State's surprising victory over Creighton today, tomorrow's match looks even better. Either Creighton fell asleep or is not as good as people think, or Wichita State ramped it up a couple of notches after Friday's straight set loss.

 

[cyclonespiker33]

Nice start to the match. 4 straight to go up 7-3 and forcing a Creighton TO. Good serving playing a big part so far.

 

[CY9008]

Great start...to a cringe-worthy end of 2nd and 3rd sets. Serve receive and setting sub par. Not to mention a non-existent block.

Let's see if we can get out of it and win in 5.

 

[cyclonespiker33]

The team has kind of fallen apart since the end of set 2. Serving turned into a liability with way too many serves out. Blocking is still clearly an uphill climb as well. They need to turn it around after losing sets 2 and 3.

 

[NenoFone]

Wow, disappointing, really bad serve and serve receive. Is depth an issue also?

 

[Sobchakcyclone]

I put a lot of this loss on coach. Really dumb substitutions again in the second set to contribute to the wheels falling off. Players didn't know where they were supposed to be? We didn't make good adjustments. Plus, we looked more gassed at the end, and we played on Friday. They don't look like they're in match shape. Where is the blocking???

I'd like to know what Conaway did to not see the court the last two sets?

 

[Tornado man]

I put a lot of this loss on coach. Really dumb substitutions again in the second set to contribute to the wheels falling off. Players didn't know where they were supposed to be? We didn't make good adjustments. Plus, we looked more gassed at the end, and we played on Friday. They don't look like they're in match shape. Where is the blocking??

I have to agree - the team looked tired, like they miss the intermission. Not being in shape is inexcusable. And they seem to lack intensity.
Why does Capezio play so much?

 

[SerenityNow]

Wow, disappointing, really bad serve and serve receive. Is depth an issue also?

I watched it on tv, and the announcers were gushing at how deep and talented this team is, even saying it's one of their best ever.

From what I saw, they are far from that. Very disappointing performance today.

 

[CarrollCyclone]

Tough match against Creighton today. Now the Cyclones get to complete the trifecta against Nebraska teams this upcoming week, playing at Nebraska-Omaha on Thursday, and then facing the Huskers on Friday in Lincoln. The top-ranked Huskers coming off a 4-set win over #10 Florida, and a sweep of #2 Texas to start the season.

 

[Cynonymous]

I think we're fine with depth but we just stuck to a smaller rotation for too long when it wasn't working. Agree with other comments about serve and serve receive.

 

[psyclone51]

Was also wondering about Conaway. Was she injured?

For some reason, the team lost focus in the second set and never recovered.

I understand the concerns about blocking and serving - and setting - but to me, what this team needs a leader - someone who manages the team emotions; that was clearly lacking today, when the wheels fell off and we never seemed to get back on track.

Jess came out loaded for bear and looked good. But I must say that Winter from Ankeny is one of the best athletes I have seen on the VB floor in a long time.

From last year, I have felt that our success this year will depend on improved passing, blocking, setting and finding a new libero. The passing is much better this year, at least it was this weekend, and we have defnitely filled the hole at libero. But I have yet to see that we have made strides at setting and blocking.

Season is young, and conference play is a ways away. And as we move forward through the season, we either benefit or suffer from the B12 not being a great VB league.

 

[Royalclone]

I think Berta along with Kurht and Capezio need to lead this team. Setter, as always, will be a major part of any success they have. Hope one of the two of takes charge and makes CJL'so decision easier for the right reasons.

 

[Buster28]

Forgot to comment on this on Sunday (partly because I was so irritated when I left Hilton). This match was really disappointing, especially considering how well we did against WSU. Each team had 13 service errors. Honestly, it seemed like much more. Once Creighton ended set 2 on an 11-3 run, ISU lost it's steam. Needless to say, a LOT to work on for the next game.