[Husker] Congratulations!

[Steve Reichenbach]

An article in the LJS suggests that with the recruitment of Lindsey
Licht, a 6'5" RS left-handed hitter Cook is planning as an eventual
replacement for Pavan, NU will look at a two setter system.  NU does
have two experienced setters in 2006 setter Holloway and 2005 setter
Griffin (who played in a two setter system with Busboom).

http://www.huskers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=100&ATCLID=682675

> 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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> 
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