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Post by 65pointgame on Jul 20, 2023 11:09:53 GMT -6
Starting the thread for the V-ball team--- only a month away from the start of the season. The schedule will be out within the next 2 weeks. I was told our first home game will be against USI (as it was last year) --- a little surprised it isn't at their campus, but maybe we are playing a "home and away" with them.
Melanie Feliciano is coming off an injury, but said she feels 100% recovered. Seven new freshmen coming in, along with a Junior transfer from Utica College in NY (she went to high school in Owensboro)
I am really upbeat about this season!
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Post by austinace on Jul 20, 2023 13:09:12 GMT -6
There’s at least five big time players on the roster from what I can tell:
Melanie Feliciano, Kora Ruff, Giulia Cardona, Madisyn Steele, Chloe Cline
Chloe Cline was a top 100 recruit out of Iowa. And is a 6’1” middle blocker.
Certainly this seems to be a team that could compete at the top of the MVC.
Who would be your sixth starter (or starting six)?
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Post by 65pointgame on Jul 20, 2023 18:18:34 GMT -6
There’s at least five big time players on the roster from what I can tell: Melanie Feliciano, Kora Ruff, Giulia Cardona, Madisyn Steele, Chloe Cline Chloe Cline was a top 100 recruit out of Iowa. And is a 6’1” middle blocker. Certainly this seems to be a team that could compete at the top of the MVC. Who would be your sixth starter (or starting six)?
You are spot on with your picks Austin. Last year we had a tough non-con schedule, our head coach was gone for one month during Worlds, and Feliciano had the injury -- so I expect a better record this year. Who is going to step up and fill Alondra Vasquez's shoes is the question. --- I added a few comments below:
Blakely Freeman was our Libero (2.13 digs/set) last year, but look for transfer student Krystell Pappas (4.0 digs/set at D3 Utica College) to contend for playing time at the position.
Emilee Scheumann, outside hitter, played in every set last year, but needs to improve on a .105 hitting percentage.
Brooke Springer/MB, played sparingly (24 sets) last year, but was consistent in her time on the court with a .400 hitting percentage.
I believe Chloe and Kora went to the same high school in Iowa, so let's hope for the same success!
This team has turned me into a volleyball fan over the last 2 years. I hope to pick up more knowledge about the game this year.
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Post by stennisrm72 on Jul 20, 2023 20:16:28 GMT -6
I'm glad Melanie is back and healthy. I didn't know for sure if she had used all her eligibility. I renewed my season tickets this year. This can be an exciting season!
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Post by bballjunkie on Jul 25, 2023 14:23:28 GMT -6
The team should be strong at MB and OH.....RS and L/DS looks completely up in the air. The question to me is whether they go with a single Setter in a 5-1 rotation (Ruff) or utilize 2 setters playing in a 6-2 offense to maximize blocking capabilities and up to 4 hitters on the court at a time.
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Post by 65pointgame on Jul 25, 2023 15:58:25 GMT -6
The team should be strong at MB and OH.....RS and L/DS looks completely up in the air. The question to me is whether they go with a single Setter in a 5-1 rotation (Ruff) or utilize 2 setters playing in a 6-2 offense to maximize blocking capabilities and up to 4 hitters on the court at a time.
Good questions bball -- if things run like last year, most sets will go thru Kora Ruff as she had 80% of assists last season (and 2nd most all time in a single season at UE.)
Right side hitter -- I think you forgot that is Giulia Cardona's position - also has a smoking serve.
If Chloe Cline is the real deal, then MB with her and Madisyn Steele will be strong.
OHs - Feliciano and Emilee Scheumann - great experience here.
Libero's - Blakely Freeman and newcomer transfer Krystell Pappas - solid experience.
DS - Maddie Hawkins was decent last year and saw playing time in most sets. Could one of the Freshman contend here?
Edit -- I went back to UE website and found the announcement of the new players. Looks like a solid group that covers all positions.
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Post by bballjunkie on Jul 25, 2023 21:09:12 GMT -6
Yes, Cardona is a terrific RS, but I’m curious to see if they try her at 6-rotation OH along with Feliciano to take over the position previously held down by Vazquez. They could try another big at RS if they roll with a single setter.
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Post by austinace on Jul 27, 2023 11:03:55 GMT -6
Per Anthony:
Southern Indiana and Evansville volleyball will face each other at Meeks Family Fieldhouse at 6 p.m. on Aug. 29.
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Post by ad1770 on Jul 27, 2023 11:16:09 GMT -6
Schedule is out. Just have to ask, how many times are we playing Chicago State?
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Post by austinace on Jul 27, 2023 13:40:46 GMT -6
Schedule is out. Just have to ask, how many times are we playing Chicago State? Good question. Two is obviously the answer. However, it looks like the first match is part of a tournament at Tennessee on September 15th. So it might be good to have a so called easier match in the morning before we play UT in the afternoon. The other game is a home game at the Meeks Family field house ten days later (September 25th). gopurpleaces.com/sports/womens-volleyball/schedule
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Post by ad1770 on Jul 27, 2023 15:47:26 GMT -6
Schedule is out. Just have to ask, how many times are we playing Chicago State? Good question. Two is obviously the answer. However, it looks like the first match is part of a tournament at Tennessee on September 15th. So it might be good to have a so called easier match in the morning before we play UT in the afternoon. The other game is a home game at the Meeks Family field house ten days later (September 25th). gopurpleaces.com/sports/womens-volleyball/scheduleActually, it is three. One in Chicago during conference season also (October 23)
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Post by austinace on Jul 27, 2023 16:05:40 GMT -6
Good question. Two is obviously the answer. However, it looks like the first match is part of a tournament at Tennessee on September 15th. So it might be good to have a so called easier match in the morning before we play UT in the afternoon. The other game is a home game at the Meeks Family field house ten days later (September 25th). gopurpleaces.com/sports/womens-volleyball/scheduleActually, it is three. One in Chicago during conference season also (October 23) Wow, that is a lot. Not sure how I missed that other than I tend to multitask on a few projects in and out of meetings and deadlines and family activities. Chicago State was 8-15 last year but they did beat Indiana State last year in what appeared to be another tournament. But you’re absolutely correct ad1770, that is a lot of times to play a team like Chicago State, especially when we have an up-and-coming team like we do.
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Post by 65pointgame on Jul 27, 2023 19:12:52 GMT -6
The team should be strong at MB and OH.....RS and L/DS looks completely up in the air. The question to me is whether they go with a single Setter in a 5-1 rotation (Ruff) or utilize 2 setters playing in a 6-2 offense to maximize blocking capabilities and up to 4 hitters on the court at a time.
Good thoughts on the 6-2 for blocking, as that is definitely one area we struggle against MVC foes. But I still believe we will go 5-1 and maximize Ruff's capabilities and gain the benefits of using one setter that the hitters become familiar with.
My understanding is with the new players we are adding length and will be much better with blocking this year.
19 road games and 11 home...that could be brutal, especially with all the early season road games.
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Post by bballjunkie on Jul 27, 2023 21:10:18 GMT -6
Yes - early season tournaments can take a toll on a young team, especially when so many are on the road. Trust me, we know…my daughters college schedule consists of 14 road/neutral court matches before hosting their first home match this season.
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Post by chitownace on Jul 29, 2023 18:41:15 GMT -6
Melanie has 2 years of eligibility left.
Lu can play and I believe will have a huge impact.
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