[Husker] Congratulations!

[Derek Ryter]

I totally agree with the defense comment.  If you watched the post-game
interview with Sarah Pavan, arguably the best player in the country this
year, albeit less photogenic than Barboza if you compare the air time the
two got on ESPN, said that their strength was the ability to adjust
defensively.  They certainly did this against Stanford and UCLA after losing
the first game.  Pavan is truly one of the most remarkable athletes that UNL
will ever field--now, this is just me, but I get the vibe that she can
impact a VB match the way Vince Young did a FB game.  Granted, she relies on
setters and can only do so much, but check out reports on the UCLA game.
She also has a very high GPA in biochemistry (academic all American). 

One player that really stood out for me was Dani Mancuso, who many times in
the past has seemed inconsistent coming off the bench.  She had several
important kills in game 4, including the 29th point, and contributed
defensively. 

Next year will be the first time ever that a team will put two players of
the year on the court at the same time with the return of Houghtelling (will
Larson win it next year?).  Having won the NC in 2000 and then competed for
a NC several times between then and 2006, including high rankings, this team
is truly a dynasty and could very well go through next year #1 start to
finish.  Particularly with Cook's new emphasis on D and the libero and
Larson's continuing maturation.

As far as Stanford playing poorly, fahgetaboutit.  There was undoubtedly
some home-court advantage, but the two teams were evenly matched and were
neck and neck.  There is no doubt the best team won.  I got the feeling in
the last three games that the Huskers would be able to pull it out because
they never cracked or showed panic.  There were some defensive lapses, but
few mistakes such as service errors, and focusing on Barboza (she hit 0.100
with 12 scattered kills and these weren't bad swings) was key.  It was just
great to see Stalls working at the net, Pavan's intensity (asking for the
ball and attacking), Larson playing well under pressure and delivering her
blistering attacks and serves (not to mention that running block for a kill
in game 4 that was very athletic), and clutch plays by just about everyone
else.  Last year their inexperience and myopic emphasis on booming attacks
at the net cost them against UW, but this year's team unity, scrappy play
and maturity really worked when it mattered.

--------------------------------
Derek Ryter


> -----Original Message-----
> From: husker-bounces at tssi.com [mailto:husker-bounces at tssi.com] On Behalf
> Of Steve Reichenbach
> Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2006 1:18 PM
> To: dlfeldman at ameritech.net; husker at tssi.com; jeffv at alphavideo.com
> Subject: Re: [Husker] Congratulations!
> 
> 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?
> 
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