[Husker] Congratulations!

[Steve Reichenbach]

If NU has been at a disadvantage against other top teams, it typically
is in defense --- digs and passes.  If NU plays good enough defense,
they typically have had a more powerful offense and frequently better
blocking.  So, I think it will be crucial for NU's chances to repeat
that they find a strong replacement for Busboom at libero.  I realize
that isn't rocket science --- with NU losing only two starters and a
former player of the year returning from injury poised to replace one
of the seniors --- but defense can be the Achille's heel of a team with
many great offensive players.

Busboom's conversion to setter and then to libero is really a great
story and I think it is unlikely that NU could have wone the title
without her playing as well as she did.  I don't think Schwarz has
shown that she can step in and be as successful as Busboom was, but
she's got another year to do so and will certainly have a strong
team around her.  Has NU recruited libero(s) for next year?

> > It was an exciting match for sure and since I am not a volleyball
> > aficionado, shouldn't the team be even better next year with the 2
> > reigning POYs coming back? Is another wire to wire #1 season an
> > unrealistic expectation for this team given they only graduate 2 players
> > and what is coming back?
> 
> I don't know if wire-to-wire is ever realistic, but you have
> certainly defined general expectations for next year.  Even without
> Houghteling, you can bet NU will be preseason #1 and with her . . .
> well, you can't get higher than #1.   Is 100-2 over a three year period
> a reasonable expectation?