Unfortunate finish to the season in the opening round of the MVC tournament against 8 seed Belmont (we were the 5th seed). We just looked out of sorts after the first set. Even Hickey seemed like she was struggling with each service return, and wasn't in the correct spots for sets 3 and 4, and that never happens to her. Oh well, finished 18-14 (10-8), and likely won't get an NIVC bid this season.
She has unfortunately struggled with service returns all season; something to work on in the offseason
https://www.thevictorybell.com/p/way-too-early-look-at-2024-valpo-f25
Post season for VB!
Thursday, at Northern Colorado. Onward!
I guess we benefit from our performance a few seasons back, and the name recognition that built with the NIVC committee, on top of the solid play in the MVC each year. I don't know why UIC wasn't selected over us, unless they turned it down with the knowledge that they would have to travel to Greeley, CO. Congrats to the ladies, and glad that they get to experience it again. Drake and SIU are also in from the MVC, so we have us 3 and then UNI in the NCAA tourney to pay attention.
And we fold our tent and lose 3-0. Something was lacking in this team makeup. They were up 17-12 in the first and lost. There was no "killer" instinct.
Hopefully our new players will change that.
Agreed, that first set killed us. We just looked deflated after that point, especially in the 3rd set. Regardless, congrats to the ladies and their next adventures!