Volleyball 2017
Seem to be off to a decent start against some quality opposition. No shame in being 2-4 at this point.
It looks like they're playing awful. No hitters doing well. Liberos the only one doing well. Notre dame is an understandable loss but loosing to a team like CSU Bakersfield. Worst start for volleyball in 15+ years. Can't play the injuries card anymore
Quote from: valpotx on September 02, 2017, 05:52:23 PM
Seem to be off to a decent start against some quality opposition. No shame in being 2-4 at this point.
Quote from: valpolyfe123 on September 02, 2017, 08:42:02 PM
It looks like they're playing awful. No hitters doing well. Liberos the only one doing well. Notre dame is an understandable loss but loosing to a team like CSU Bakersfield. Worst start for volleyball in 15+ years. Can't play the injuries card anymore
Hmmm. Seems like we have a difference of opinion! ;)
My understanding is that the volleyball team is off to a poorer start than their usual. The freshman libero is doing very well but the play at the net has not been nearly as good as it's been in past years.
Quote from: bbtds on September 03, 2017, 04:16:29 PM
My understanding is that the volleyball team is off to a poorer start than their usual. The freshman libero is doing very well but the play at the net has not been nearly as good as it's been in past years.
I would expect the play to get better as the season progresses. Remember, six freshman and only one senior.
Look at the records from last year, regarding the teams we have played at this point. Many of our losses so far have been against teams coming off 20+ win seasons.
Quote from: valpotx on September 09, 2017, 04:22:19 PM
Look at the records from last year, regarding the teams we have played at this point. Many of our losses so far have been against teams coming off 20+ win seasons.
So Caryn is upping the ante to match MVC competition??? If so, I like that approach.
3-1 win over Binghamton this afternoon... coming up tonight, we play the host BigRed at Cornell.
Love to be proven wrong! Big win against Cornell!
Keep in mind that volleyball is playing with true freshmen at the two most critical positions: libero, where it seems early on like Rylee Cookerly is living up to the Valpo libero lineage, and setter, where Brittany Anderson has stepped in and been strong in the early going.
And if you're not aware of the Brittany Anderson story, here's a good article from last fall on her: http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/columnists/steve-hanlon/steve-hanlon-vu-doubles-down-on-noll-s-brittany-anderson/article_797050b8-7675-5aee-98f1-b4368412cf75.html (http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/columnists/steve-hanlon/steve-hanlon-vu-doubles-down-on-noll-s-brittany-anderson/article_797050b8-7675-5aee-98f1-b4368412cf75.html). To sum up, she wasn't going to play volleyball in college until a little over a year ago, as she was going to focus on softball instead. Now, because of an injury to Lizzie Zaleski, she's a starting setter for a D-I volleyball program right off the bat. And she'll be on the softball diamond for the Crusaders in the spring.
So Valpo is playing Eastern Illinois tonight at home and at least at the moment, on the Athletics site, there doesn't appear to be video coverage. Weren't all the home games televised last year? What's up with that?? ???
Quote from: vu72 on September 13, 2017, 03:59:20 PM
So Valpo is playing Eastern Illinois tonight at home and at least at the moment, on the Athletics site, there doesn't appear to be video coverage. Weren't all the home games televised last year? What's up with that?? ???
I believe a lot of the broadcasts we're done with Horizon League equipment which the HL wanted back for some reason. The Missouri Valley didn't invest in video broadcast equipment including a website for each school. Valpo needs to figure out how to post their sound & video to a website and pay for it.
The MVC's agreement with ESPN requires broadcasting events to a higher standard than the Horizon League. We have invested in all new state of the art equipment that will be housed in a new, permanent control room in the ARC. The process of ordering that equipment started in late May right after we accepted the invitation to join the MVC. The equipment is scheduled to be delivered and the control room completed by early October. We needed to take the old system down to build out the new system. We are on track to have everything completed in time to start streaming events the weekend of October 13/14.
I was at the game against Eastern Illinois tonight, and Valpo played well. They won 3-1, taking their sets very easily. Unfortunately,with a lead in the middle of the third set, Kayla Currier appeared to suffer a severe injury that took the air out of the ARC and seemed to deflate the team or they probably would have swept the sets 3-0. It felt good to see the Missouri Valley team banners hanging where the Horizon League had been. On another note, athletes from many other teams were in attendance to support Volleyball—football, softball, women's basketball, men's basketball, etc. However, looking at the basketball team sitting together where they usually do each season, it felt odd not seeing Alec Peters among them.
Quote from: valpopal on September 13, 2017, 10:12:51 PM
I was at the game against Eastern Illinois tonight, and Valpo played well. They won 3-1, taking their sets very easily. Unfortunately,with a lead in the middle of the third set, Kayla Currier appeared to suffer a severe injury that took the air out of the ARC and seemed to deflate the team or they probably would have swept the sets 3-0. It felt good to see the Missouri Valley team banners hanging where the Horizon League had been. On another note, athletes from many other teams were in attendance to support Volleyball—football, softball, women's basketball, men's basketball, etc. However, looking at the basketball team sitting together where they usually do each season, it felt odd not seeing Alec Peters among them.
On a side note, playing for EIU was Gina Furlin, the daughter of former VHS & BSU BB star, Jeff Furlin. Jeff, his brothers, Joe & David, also former VHS players, were in the stands, along with extended family & friends.
We have pretty good attendance at each of our athletic events. Getting 812 fans to a college volleyball game is pretty impressive, when you look at what some other schools draw. I believe that our Men's and Women's Soccer teams average 500+, as well.
Big game tonight for volleyball! First MVC event that Valpo's hosting in any sport. First ranked volleyball opponent volleyball's hosted in a long time.
Only audio
http://tunein.com/radio/The-Source-951-s23659/
and live stats
http://statb.us/b/181846
but check them out, and come out to the ARC if you're a NWI type.
They host Drake tomorrow, as well.
Dang UNI is really good. Not all that surprising because they're a Top 25 team but Valpo holding in tough! Great match so far!
So I'm listening to the match (Great performance so far--1-1) and the sound is AWFUL!! I have emailed the Source. Commercials are fine, announcer is barely hearable! Same problem with the football broadcasts, Todds mike is low and his counterpart is fine. Does anybody at the station actually listen?? >:(
Unfortunately VU lost 3-1. I would say that a team that plays many freshmen did quite well against the No. 22 team in the nation. The VU ladies played their hearts out and never quit. Good job VUBB.
Valpo gave UNI a warm welcome in the first home MVC contest for a VU team. On one level, the Crusaders played well against a nationally ranked team that appeared much stronger, even winning one set. (Certainly, Valpo showed they can compete in the new league.) On another level the warm welcome was provided by 90-degree temperatures outside and no air conditioning inside, where it felt like 120-degrees. Unfortunately, the stifling heat and humidity made the ARC seem even more like a high school gym; not a good first impression at all for the MVC people in attendance. In addition, I heard UNI folks complaining that Valpo is not ready for prime time because of the lack of streaming video. Since fans were dripping sweat just from sitting, you can imagine how tough and draining it was for the players, who must play again tomorrow against Drake.
Quote from: valpopal on September 22, 2017, 09:42:46 PM
Valpo gave UNI a warm welcome in the first home MVC contest for a VU team. On one level, the Crusaders played well against a nationally ranked team that appeared much stronger, even winning one set. (Certainly, Valpo showed they can compete in the new league.) On another level the warm welcome was provided by 90-degree temperatures outside and no air conditioning inside, where it felt like 120-degrees. Unfortunately, the stifling heat and humidity made the ARC seem even more like a high school gym; not a good first impression at all for the MVC people in attendance. In addition, I heard UNI folks complaining that Valpo is not ready for prime time because of the lack of streaming video. Since fans were dripping sweat just from sitting, you can imagine how tough and draining it was for the players, who must play again tomorrow against Drake.
The video board was missing a scoreboard for the second straight game.
How in the world in 2017 do you not have video available? First home MVC event, ever. Nationally rank opponent one one of the most respected programs in the nation. No video. This isn't the Horizon anymore.
Dude, chill out. As has been mentioned in many other threads, the MVC required Valpo to upgrade its video capability/service quality, ever since we accepted an invite just a few short months ago. They are in process of doing so, and can't stream anything until it is completed. All of our volleyball games have previously been streamed, so that isn't special to the MVC.
Just watched the post-game interview with Coach Carin Avery after the 3-0 loss to Drake. Her first comments were about the horrible conditions in the ARC during the back-to-back matches Friday and Saturday. She noted temperatures in the ARC were well over 100 degrees both nights and that Valpo is the only MVC member without air conditioning. (I know my family attended Friday night but we consciously stayed away on Saturday rather than suffer the extreme heat and humidity again. We left early Friday and my wife came home with a headache from the heat.) With a subtle dig, Coach Avery even mentioned the players will be pleased to have air conditioning in the bus to their away game in Southern Illinois. I know Mark LaBarbera could not have been happy. I saw him walking around the court, and his shirt was completely soaked in sweat.
I know we feel like discussions about poor facilities are like beating a dead horse; however, when the head coach focuses on this as a great detriment in her opening comments, the conversation is unavoidable. In addition, these two nights were Valpo's introduction of the ARC to the MVC: with the oppressive heat affecting players and fans, as well as the lack of streaming video, VU certainly failed to make a good first impression on the league and its fans. Indeed, the ARC looked pathetic this weekend, and it was embarrassing. We had hoped Valpo would step up if invited to the MVC; however, I fear to the contrary there will be a lack of urgency to upgrade facilities now that the entry into the MVC has happened, and VU will return to complacency.
I also watched the interview and agree with valpopal. I'm sure enhancements will come one day but.....when I wonder? The ARC is used for so many different events at the university. I know late-September weather is not usually this hot in Valpo. Might MH have been in the house to witness the heat and poor conditions?? I feel bad for MLB, the coaches and the players.
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Quote from: vufan75 on September 24, 2017, 03:36:41 PM
I also watched the interview and agree with valpopal. I'm sure enhancements will come one day but.....when I wonder? The ARC is used for so many different events at the university. I know late-September weather is not usually this hot in Valpo. Might MH have been in the house to witness the heat and poor conditions?? I feel bad for MLB, the coaches and the players.
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I know Mark L has on several occasions mentioned the need for air-conditioning but, I think those comments referred to Hilltop, not the ARC itself. Obviously the ARC is a much bigger venue and thus, much more expensive. Hopefully he was referencing both.
Let's get with it, VU Administration! It is time to get started on improving our facilities for athletics and student recreation.
Quote from: vu72 on September 22, 2017, 08:16:34 PM
So I'm listening to the match (Great performance so far--1-1) and the sound is AWFUL!! I have emailed the Source. Commercials are fine, announcer is barely hearable! Same problem with the football broadcasts, Todds mike is low and his counterpart is fine. Does anybody at the station actually listen?? >:(
Emailing them is a good step - I have gotten responses sometimes that make it sound like they do care. And no, I'm not convinced that they monitor the internet feed.
The FM broadcast of the football yesterday hadd Todd coming through loud and clear - the interview with the coach also sounded fine. I think I caught some play-by-play later in the game too. Everything I heard FM sounded fine.
Quote from: valpotx on September 23, 2017, 03:16:54 PMDude, chill out. As has been mentioned in many other threads
Even on this thread!
Quote from: ml on September 13, 2017, 09:38:20 PMThe MVC's agreement with ESPN requires broadcasting events to a higher standard than the Horizon League. We have invested in all new state of the art equipment that will be housed in a new, permanent control room in the ARC. The process of ordering that equipment started in late May right after we accepted the invitation to join the MVC. The equipment is scheduled to be delivered and the control room completed by early October. We needed to take the old system down to build out the new system. We are on track to have everything completed in time to start streaming events the weekend of October 13/14.
Quote from: vu72 on September 24, 2017, 04:39:50 PMI know Mark L has on several occasions mentioned the need for air-conditioning but, I think those comments referred to Hilltop, not the ARC itself.
I think Hilltop air conditioning is actively planned for. Maybe already scheduled, or even already finished?
Yes, but how many games are played in Hilltop? There is a cost associated with aspiring to a higher status. I sincerely hope the administration understands this.
Quote from: valpopal on September 24, 2017, 11:50:16 AM
(I know my family attended Friday night but we consciously stayed away on Saturday rather than suffer the extreme heat and humidity again. We left early Friday and my wife came home with a headache from the heat.)
I made it to the last few points of the UNI game, and most of the Drake. I thought it was noticeably worse of UNI. But, hardly comfortable for Drake. You could definitely be reminded of a high school gym.
I thought the real tragedy for volleyball in the non-air conditioned ARC was being forced to move their home tournament last year, in the middle of the tournament, to the Courts. The floor at the ARC was ruled unsafe, with humidity related condensation.
Quote
With a subtle dig, Coach Avery even mentioned the players will be pleased to have air conditioning in the bus to their away game in Southern Illinois.
I've been surprised how candid Carin's been in these videos. Fun for the fans!
Quote
In addition, these two nights were Valpo's introduction of the ARC to the MVC: with the oppressive heat affecting players and fans, as well as the lack of streaming video, VU certainly failed to make a good first impression on the league and its fans.
Assuming the refs were organized by the league (they are in basketball, right?) I personally thought the officials at the Drake match were more embarrassing, from a league perspective, than the lack of AC or streaming video. But, I'm biased. (I'm very much a volleyball neophyte. But, the referee above the net, he's in charge, right?, seemed not entirely in touch with match. He seemed to need help in the form of significant explanations from other officials, more than once. The match ended under protest, and with a long huddle among the officials. That after a 60 second discussion between the corner official who was animatedly signalling the ball out, and the net ref.)
One wonders if they could play in Hilltop instead...
Just watched the Valpo-SIU game. If you haven't watched a volleyball game you are really missing something! Exciting for sure. Unfortunately we lost again, 3[1 but a very close, hard fought match. No doubt, the travel, after two games playing in an oven no doubt hurt us tonight. We are better than this and I suspect it will show as the season wears on. However, we are playing with a horizon League team against The Valley. We are just too small. That will have to change.
As for the SIU venue, I would compare it to Hilltop. If, Hilltop is in fact air-conditioned, we should be playing there when the weather is to hot or humid. Granted, it is a fairly rare occurrence in the fall in Indiana but still, what happened last weekend is unacceptable. Hilltop, in its day, sat 3500 but I'm wondering whether or not all the seats have been removed now that it is a dedicated practice facility. The gym at SIU probably sat 500. I doubt we have ever had 500 for a volleyball game.
Quote from: vu72 on September 25, 2017, 09:16:38 PM
The gym at SIU probably sat 500. I doubt we have ever had 500 for a volleyball game.
The attendance for the match against NIU drew almost 700, though many left during the break after two sets due to the heat.
Quote from: valpopal on September 25, 2017, 10:01:52 PM
Quote from: vu72 on September 25, 2017, 09:16:38 PM
The gym at SIU probably sat 500. I doubt we have ever had 500 for a volleyball game.
The attendance for the match against NIU drew almost 700, though many left during the break after two sets due to the heat.
72: It is not unusual for VU VB attendance to be over 500.
It is also not unusual for the ARC to be quite hot for September games, although not as hot as this weekend.
Quote from: valpopal on September 25, 2017, 10:01:52 PM
Quote from: vu72 on September 25, 2017, 09:16:38 PM
The gym at SIU probably sat 500. I doubt we have ever had 500 for a volleyball game.
The attendance for the match against NIU drew almost 700, though many left during the break after two sets due to the heat.
You hosted Northern Illinois last week?
If you're referring to UNI the there is no way in any gods green earth there was 700 there. I saw photos and highlight video.
Quote from: UNIFTW on September 26, 2017, 08:55:01 AM
Quote from: valpopal on September 25, 2017, 10:01:52 PM
Quote from: vu72 on September 25, 2017, 09:16:38 PM
The gym at SIU probably sat 500. I doubt we have ever had 500 for a volleyball game.
The attendance for the match against NIU drew almost 700, though many left during the break after two sets due to the heat.
You hosted Northern Illinois last week?
If you're referring to UNI the there is no way in any gods green earth there was 700 there. I saw photos and highlight video.
Sorry. yes, UNI: I'm still getting used to new teams! As for the attendance, it was listed as 685. I believe there were that many there during the match spread throughout the whole arena, though as is often the case at volleyball games, the crowd fluctuated with people coming and going. In fact, during the second set my section and the one next to mine were mostly filled, but a
s I mentioned, perhaps half left following the second set due to the heat.
I'm pretty sure that the ceiling in Hilltop is too low to accommodate a varsity volleyball game.
Quote from: vu72 on September 25, 2017, 09:16:38 PMAs for the SIU venue, I would compare it to Hilltop.
That was certainly my thought. Last time I was in Hilltop there was still one large set of bleachers. Could maybe seat 1,000? Large enough, I suspect, for the fans.
I'm not sure about height. I don't remember it feeling particularly constrained. They play off the video scoreboard in the ARC.
The video quality, and the broadcasters, at SIU were definitely impressive.
I did have some buffering/stuttering issues, and I was on a pretty fast network at the time (on campus). I didn't try debugging it - maybe some of the problem was on my end. But, the feed definitely dropped entirely toward the end - I'm pretty sure that was their fault. In an action-packed sport like volleyball I'd probably accept a lower resolution for a rock solid feed.
But, the video quality was definitely higher than MBB in the HLN or Horizon-ESPN3 days.
Quote from: vu72 on September 25, 2017, 09:16:38 PMHowever, we are playing with a horizon League team against The Valley. We are just too small. That will have to change.
Watched the game on ESPN3 replay. It didn't look as if we were as athletic as their hitters. Hard to believe SIU started the season 1-11 with the athletes they appeared to have. Wish the Northern Iowa game had been streamed, would have liked to see what type of athletes they put on the court.
Nice thing about the valley, outside of your campus, every game is streamed and archived on espn 3 if you want to catch up.
Quote from: agibson on September 26, 2017, 11:49:37 AM
Quote from: vu72 on September 25, 2017, 09:16:38 PMAs for the SIU venue, I would compare it to Hilltop.
That was certainly my thought. Last time I was in Hilltop there was still one large set of bleachers. Could maybe seat 1,000? Large enough, I suspect, for the fans.
I'm not sure about height. I don't remember it feeling particularly constrained. They play off the video scoreboard in the ARC.
The video quality, and the broadcasters, at SIU were definitely impressive.
I did have some buffering/stuttering issues, and I was on a pretty fast network at the time (on campus). I didn't try debugging it - maybe some of the problem was on my end. But, the feed definitely dropped entirely toward the end - I'm pretty sure that was their fault. In an action-packed sport like volleyball I'd probably accept a lower resolution for a rock solid feed.
But, the video quality was definitely higher than MBB in the HLN or Horizon-ESPN3 days.
I did not have an stuttering/buffering issues, watching it at my home.
Quote from: UNIFTW on September 26, 2017, 08:28:53 PM
Nice thing about the valley, outside of your campus, every game is streamed and archived on espn 3 if you want to catch up.
Please have a little patience.
Good lord, read the thread!! You cannot simply upgrade your streaming services over a few week/month period. Working at SiriusXM, I can tell you that it is no small feat to do such a thing. We have always streamed all Volleyball games, and only don't at the moment because of the upgrade.
NOTE: This message posted before I was finished. It is now complete.
And it is not just VB. None of our Fall sports have been streamed from Valpo venues.
It has been only 2 months and 28 days since we were formally accepted into the MVC. In coming on board as the new kid on the block, there were a myiad of tasks that needed to be completed. Those tasks needed to be prioritized by criticality level. I am sure that video/media upgrade is in the high priority category, but you just don't go to Best Buy, pick up a new TV camera and microphone and plug them in. Folks, this is a major IT project that requires new hardware, buying and programming new software, functional testing, user testing - the full system development life cycle. Even if fast tracked, this takes time and skilled resources. And some of the steps required have to be done sequentially, not concurrently.
Going back to July 1, no business in it's right mind would initiate any significant expenditure prior to a conclusive contract being signed. So the internal Valpo procurement process, even if initiated on day one (July1), would take a little time (reviews and approvals) before the PO is released. This is also dependent on vendor responsiveness -- i.e., how long it would it take for all HW components and SW to be delivered. Then the difficult part begins: pulling new cable, building out a new media room, installing the HW, setting up the HW, testing the HW, followed by the SW installation and all of that subsquent testing.
And all of this cannot be done while leaving the old HL system in place.
I think everyone is in agreement that the reason we joined the MVC was basketball. The video upgrade, I am sure, was planned and is being implemented so that, from day 1 of the basketball season, MVC quality video will be available to fans. It is a shame that VU Fall sports could not be covered immediately, but the rest of the MVC will miss only those away contests played at Valpo and have the rest of their schedules streamed as before. As for Valpo fans, it is disappointing to be without any video streams of home contests this season, but in the end things will work out.
Quote from: VULB#62 on September 28, 2017, 08:53:55 AM
And it is not just VB. None of our Fall sports have been streamed from Valpo venues.
It has been only 2 months and 28 days since we were formally accepted into the MVC. In coming on board as the new kid on the block, there are a myiad of tasks that needed to be completed. Those tasks needed to be prioritized by criticality level. I am sure that video/media upgrade is in teh high priority level but, you just don't go to Best Buy, pick up a new TV and plug it in. This is a major IT project that requires new hardware, programming new software, functional testing, user testing - the full system development life cycle. Even if fast tracked, this takes time
Plus the construction of a control room!
Honest question: would it have been possible to maintain the old system during installation of the new or did we have to so thoroughly gut our AV infrastructure that such a venture was impossible?
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I was told that leaving the old system in place was not a real option. I was also told that the upgrade will include video for baseball and other outdoor sports that were not previously streamed.
Technologically speaking the answer would be yes ONLY if we could construct and implement a totally separate system and facilities while retaining the old stuff. I am quite sure Valpo does not have the facilities, IT staff, or equipment to do that kind of thing. Remember, the VU IT Department has more than just athletics to support. This changeover is a VERY big hiccup in the standard scope of work of the IT Department. I think that if they get the new technolgy and various locations operational by the beginning of the BB season, they should be get a standing ovation. :thumbsup:
BTW. It sounds like we wil be getting baseball and softball feeds as well. Yay!
Quote from: Dave_2010 on September 28, 2017, 03:34:14 PM
Honest question: would it have been possible to maintain the old system during installation of the new or did we have to so thoroughly gut our AV infrastructure that such a venture was impossible?
It sounds like we wouldn't have been allowed to broadcast MVC games with the old equipment, in any case. (Non-conference? Who knows?)
Awesome, baseball video and local games against Dallas Baptist each year! I always heard that it would cost something like $50k or more to get streaming capabilities in the Eastgate area. However, that was 10+ years ago, so it has to be much higher by now.
Valpo takes down Bradley in 3 straight sets. MVC record now at 2-3. Bradley falls to 0-6
We blew the game at Illinois State today, taking a 2-0 lead, only to fall 3 sets to 2.
Quote from: valpotx on October 07, 2017, 11:15:54 PM
We blew the game at Illinois State today, taking a 2-0 lead, only to fall 3 sets to 2.
Totally agree. Watched it and saw that we were out coached by a first year head coach. I'm really starting to wonder what is up with Volleyball. All the 20 win seasons are nice but that number doesn't get you into the NCAAs. 20 wins will be REALLY hard in The Valley. REALLY hard.
Folks, we haven't been to the NCAA tournament since 2005. Yes we have a young, short (for Volleyball) team, but still...
https://twitter.com/_amleavitt/status/919948523507994625
It definitely seems to be a defensive league, though UNI has some really strong hitters.
Was really impressed, in the couple of games that I watched, with our ability to extend points. However, from the limited sample set that I have seen, we don't have as strong a hitters as many of the MVC teams.
Congrats to the team for absolutely taking third place Drake apart last night. Was very impressed and it avenged losing to them 3-0 at home. Now on to #25 UNI. :clap: :clap:
Quote from: vu72 on October 21, 2017, 06:19:21 AM
Congrats to the team for absolutely taking third place Drake apart last night. Was very impressed and it avenged losing to them 3-0 at home. Now on to #25 UNI. :clap: :clap:
Wow - it was a bigger demolition show than I realized. 25-12, 25-22, 25-15. I'm not used to seeing these kind of margins. Very impressive!
These dig stats are weird, with Valpo continuing to lead the nation. And the Valley having like five of the nation's top-10. For Valpo you wonder if it reflects our lack of really punishing hitters. Not sure what the story is for the rest of the Valley. And Valpo's stat is strange because, last I checked, our opponents have actually out-dug us.
But, for what it's worth, the #1 and #2 top dig teams in the country square off tonight. Valpo at ranked (#25) UNI. 7 PM. ESPN3.
Man that what was a tough 4th set. A lot of back & forth at the end there. UNI pulls it out and we're on to the fifth. This would be a statement win if Valpo pull it off on the road against a Top 25 team like UNI.
http://www.espn.com/watch/_/id/3175606/valparaiso-vs-northern-iowa-w-volleyball
Dang, UNI dominated that 5th set. Valpo was up 2-1. A really entertaining match though. This Valpo Team has a bright future though. This was a very good UNI team.
Quote from: VU2014 on October 21, 2017, 09:31:46 PM
Dang, UNI dominated that 5th set. Valpo was up 2-1. A really entertaining match though. This Valpo Team has a bright future though. This was a very good UNI team.
Totally agree. We showed a lot of guts against the #25 team on their court and we only have one senior on the team. The Valley is now firmly aware of Valpo!
We are already proving to MVC fans that we belong, and are not outclassed in any sport at this point. To think, everyone said that we just have Men's Basketball ;).
I've been to every Friday home game and I have to say this team looks better and better each time I watch them Don't let the 3-0 result against Illinois State fool you They looked great in that match and easily could have won two of those sets I think once we see a recruiting bump from our membership in the MVC and our current players gain more experience we can easily be a team that finishes in the top 3-4 and contends for titles I hope we take advantage of our MVC membership and start to schedule up and play better competition Let's play some top teams in early season tournaments Let's capitalize on the fact that the nation's best volleyball conference is right in our back yard and measure ourselves against some of the best the sport has to offer It may take us a few years to start beating those teams but I'm sure they'll do a better job preparing us for conference play than Chicago State Fort Wayne Eastern Illinois et Al have As for the upcoming schedule .500 and a respectable fifth place finish are well within reach 2 road 2 home left 3 of the 4 are against teams behind Valpo in the standings (@Indiana State @Evansville Southern Illinois (Nov 18) The other is against MVC leader Missouri State who is right on the edge of the top 25 If we handle our business we can finish 9-9 with 18 wins and make the conference tournament Once we get there who knows what will happen given how well we've played against 2-4 We could make some real noise in year one
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on November 07, 2017, 10:26:33 AM
I've been to every Friday home game and I have to say this team looks better and better each time I watch them Don't let the 3-0 result against Illinois State fool you They looked great in that match and easily could have won two of those sets I think once we see a recruiting bump from our membership in the MVC and our current players gain more experience we can easily be a team that finishes in the top 3-4 and contends for titles I hope we take advantage of our MVC membership and start to schedule up and play better competition Let's play some top teams in early season tournaments Let's capitalize on the fact that the nation's best volleyball conference is right in our back yard and measure ourselves against some of the best the sport has to offer It may take us a few years to start beating those teams but I'm sure they'll do a better job preparing us for conference play than Chicago State Fort Wayne Eastern Illinois et Al have As for the upcoming schedule .500 and a respectable fifth place finish are well within reach 2 road 2 home left 3 of the 4 are against teams behind Valpo in the standings (@Indiana State @Evansville Southern Illinois (Nov 18) The other is against MVC leader Missouri State who is right on the edge of the top 25 If we handle our business we can finish 9-9 with 18 wins and make the conference tournament Once we get there who knows what will happen given how well we've played against 2-4 We could make some real noise in year one
I have attended most of the home games, and I agree that this team has improved as the season progressed. In addition, the current team only has one senior; therefore, we can hope the growth seen this year will continue into next season. However, since only one player graduates, we will most likely have to wait a while before we see the full benefit of recruiting as a MVC team.
Quote from: valpopal on November 07, 2017, 10:40:49 AMHowever, since only one player graduates, we will most likely have to wait a while before we see the full benefit of recruiting as a MVC team.
I've not put together the timing of recruiting, recruit announcements, and MVC negotiations. But, it may be that the timing was unfortunate. Six freshmen may have been recruited (to a roster of about thirteen total players) slightly _before_ we realized they'd be playing four years in the Valley. I'm not sure.
Nice 3-1 win at Evansville on Friday night (@ Indiana State on Saturday)
Valparaiso 25 18 25 25 3
Evansville 12 25 15 22 1
MVC Standings
Missouri State 14-0 22-5
UNI 13-2 23-6
Drake 12-3 23-6
Illinois State 10-5 17-11
Valparaiso 7-8 16-13
Indiana State 6-9 8-19
Only the Top 6 advance to the Conference Tournament at Illinois State
Southern Illinois 4-10 5-20
Evansville 4-11 10-17
Bradley 2-13 9-20
Loyola 2-13 3-23
After Indiana State, we are home to Missouri State and SIU next weekend.
The nice road win tends to push Evansville out of the tournament discussion, but not entirely.
The tiebreakers look a little complicated, and I can't find up to date documentation.
I suspect this may still be accurate.
www.mvc.org/manual/volleyball.pdf
One more win, with other likely results, may well be enough to clinch a spot. But, of course, we'd like to go in strong! Winnable games today at Indiana State (albeit not easy) and in the home finale hosting Southern Illinois.
And, it would be a great statement to beat Missouri State (undefeated in conference) at the ARC! Should be exciting.
(Looks like no video at Indiana State. Not quite the "HD video for every road game" that I'd somehow been exciting.)
SIU could do is a favor and slip @Loyola. But, otherwise, while there are other possibilities it seems like our last game of the regular season, hosting SIU at the ARC next Saturday, will be a head-to-head battle for the last tournament spot.
It looks like most of the tiebreakers are against us, so we likely need to win a game (and MO State is undefeated in conference) or to get some help (eg Lotola over SIU).
Missouri State just climbed into the top 25 for the first time this year. This marks the third time our Crusaders will have gone up against ranked competition in conference play. Last time they faced a ranked team they took them to match point in set 4 and lost in 5 sets. Having already clinched the MVC regular season title the Bears are really only playing for potential NCAA tournament seeding and not much else while the Crusaders are still playing for everything This seems like a good recipe for an upset but we'll see Missouri State is a tough team and has shown well against good competition I believe they lost in 5 sets to both Kansas State and Illinois while beating Ohio State This won't be easy And if it gets to playing Southern Illinois for all the marbles all bets are off I'd like to say that I believe that we'll get in but Southern Illinois just pounded Drake and creamed us back in the early part of conference play in Carbondale It won't be easy If we get in we certainly will have earned it
2017 MVC Volleyball Standings - three teams playing for 2 spots
SCHOOL CONF CPCT. OVERALL PCT. STREAK
Missouri State 16-0 1.000 24-5 0.828 W17
UNI 14-3 0.824 24-7 0.774 W1
Drake 12-5 0.706 23-8 0.742 L2
Illinois State 11-5 0.688 18-11 0.621 W3
Valparaiso 7-9 0.438 16-14 0.533 L1 Home-Missouri State Home-Southern Illinois
Indiana State 7-9 0.438 9-19 0.321 W2 At Illinois State At Bradley
Southern Illinois 5-11 0.313 6-21 0.222 L1 At Loyola At Valpo
Evansville 4-12 0.250 10-18 0.357 L4
Loyola 3-13 0.188 4-23 0.148 W1
Bradley 2-14 0.125 9-21 0.300 L5
All 6 of the games listed above start at 7pm Central.
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on November 14, 2017, 01:31:39 PM
Missouri State just climbed into the top 25 for the first time this year. This marks the third time our Crusaders will have gone up against ranked competition in conference play. Last time they faced a ranked team they took them to match point in set 4 and lost in 5 sets. Having already clinched the MVC regular season title the Bears are really only playing for potential NCAA tournament seeding and not much else while the Crusaders are still playing for everything This seems like a good recipe for an upset but we'll see Missouri State is a tough team and has shown well against good competition I believe they lost in 5 sets to both Kansas State and Illinois while beating Ohio State This won't be easy And if it gets to playing Southern Illinois for all the marbles all bets are off I'd like to say that I believe that we'll get in but Southern Illinois just pounded Drake and creamed us back in the early part of conference play in Carbondale It won't be easy If we get in we certainly will have earned it
I think Missouri State wins, period! But of course I don't believe you use periods Do you ;) :thumbsup:
Missouri State just finished off a sweep of Valpo to run their record to 17-0, but my spirits are not dampened in the slightest. Loyola just finished a sweep of their own over the Salukis of Southern Illinois meaning Valpo doesn't have to sweat out tomorrow's match as we are already in the tournament!Great job ladies you've worked hard all season and have improved every week.They have certainly earned this chance to prove themselves and showcase that improvement. This is a terrific result for year one in the MVC and one we can build on for next year. I'm a proud alum today!Here's to even better results in the future. Go Valpo!
VU did go ahead to sweep Southern Illinois at the ARC and enter the tournament on a roll.
They actually won the first game off tournament hosts Illinois State, but lost 3-1.
Missouri State went on to win the tournament and they and at-large Northern Iowa (the two Valley teams to be ranked in the top 25 this year) will represent the conference in the NCAA tournament. Starting Friday.
(In other non-basketball Valley news; it looks like no at-large bids for the Valley in men's or women's soccer.)
Illinois State also made volleyball's equivalent of the NIT where they defeated IUPUI and lost to Green Bay. While Missouri State fell to Michigan State in round one and UNI defeated Louisville before falling to Minnesota in round 2. ((The Big 10 is an AMAZING volleyball conference).Taylor Graboski was named first team all-MVC and was also named to the All-tournament team. Great way to close out her storied career. And Brittany Anderson and Rylee Cookerley were named to the all-freshman team. This all just goes to show what a great conference for Volleyball the MVC is and how bright Valpo's future appears to be in it. Once again, great season, ladies! You represented the university very well and gave us a great deal to be proud of as well as much to look forward to next year! Go Valpo!
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on December 04, 2017, 03:05:28 PM
Illinois State also made volleyball's equivalent of the NIT where they defeated IUPUI and lost to Green Bay. While Missouri State fell to Michigan State in round one and UNI defeated Louisville before falling to Minnesota in round 2. ((The Big 10 is an AMAZING volleyball conference).Taylor Graboski was named first team all-MVC and was also named to the All-tournament team. Great way to close out her storied career. And Brittany Anderson and Rylee Cookerley were named to the all-freshman team. This all just goes to show what a great conference for Volleyball the MVC is and how bright Valpo's future appears to be in it. Once again, great season, ladies! You represented the university very well and gave us a great deal to be proud of as well as much to look forward to next year! Go Valpo!
I agree with you, VUGrad. I have been following VUVB for many years, Carin's teams always compete, and the games are fun to watch. I recommend that everyone give it a try, you won't be disappointed.
A big honor for Rylee Cookerly today, as she was named Midwest Region Freshman of the Year. To get an idea of the magnitude of the award, look at the schools the other nine region Freshmen of the Year came from: Florida State, Pitt, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Oregon State, Colorado, LSU, Kentucky and Baylor. Impressive company!
http://www.valpoathletics.com/volleyball/news/2017-18/17844/cookerly-honored-as-regional-freshman-of-the-year/