M Volleyball bows out to Texas 3-2 in Final Four
The Wolverines fell to Texas 11-24, 25-21, 25-23, 12-25, 11-15.
A fantastic run for a fantastic squad! Despite coming in unranked and finishing 6th in the Big Ten, Michigan was able to scrap against the best of the best, but came up just short of the Championship game.
Michigan loses only fifth-year senior Claire McElhenny, so they are already poised to do huge things next year! Go Blue!!!
December 13th, 2012 at 7:39 PM ^
GO BLUE!
December 13th, 2012 at 7:43 PM ^
Nice come back by Blue, gaining a 4-pt lead in set 2 and forcing a Texas timeout. Looking much more comfortable now.
December 13th, 2012 at 7:44 PM ^
Thanks, just flipped it on what did I miss?
December 13th, 2012 at 7:48 PM ^
A first set curbstomping by the Longhorns... but now we're in a pretty good spot here in set 2!
December 13th, 2012 at 7:49 PM ^
Go lady Wolverines!!! GO BLUE! I always thought cheerleading was overrated anyways. Spectator wise I know, I date a volleyball player and her ass in those shorts DEAR LORD...
December 13th, 2012 at 7:56 PM ^
she was a labero so not freakishly tall. but man those shorts. yowzeh.
December 13th, 2012 at 7:50 PM ^
Spike the Longhorns! Go Blue!!
December 13th, 2012 at 7:51 PM ^
Some killer blocks in this set. So close here, up 21-20. Can't let up.
December 13th, 2012 at 7:52 PM ^
Timeout UT again! 23-20, an unreal comeback if they can finish it.
December 13th, 2012 at 7:53 PM ^
That first set was ugly, 3 point lead in 2nd set! 23-20
December 13th, 2012 at 7:54 PM ^
One serious complaint about volleyball. The game's social norms require everyone to jump up and down like lunatics after every point. That, plus the camera position, makes it tough for me to figure out who won the last point. Girls, it's okay to not act happy after you give up a point.
December 13th, 2012 at 7:56 PM ^
Watch the ref instead.
December 13th, 2012 at 7:59 PM ^
I was an assistant VB coach when my daughter played in HS. I know very little about the game. However, the reason both teams huddle up is to get ready for the next serve. That point was lost (or won) but we have to get this next one.
It keeps the kids from hanging their heads for too long. The game goes quick and they need to stay focused. My daughter had 23 of 25 points in one game with 20 aces. She had no clue because the game went so fast that she did not have time to think about it.
December 13th, 2012 at 7:58 PM ^
I used to think that, but then I played a little bit. It's a team sport, but each play is very individual. You make a mistake and you've immediately let your team down. Plus, every point is pretty crucial - a 5-point lead is very tough to come back from.
Not saying I would be at all similar with the demonstrative emotions, but it is a roller coaster of a game and whatever you can do to stay on an even keel is important.
December 13th, 2012 at 8:07 PM ^
I'd agree that it's critical in a fast-paced game to stay focused. Otherwise, you could lose the game without blinking. It just seems like the reactions are so high all the time that it would be distracted. Maybe I'm just not familiar enough.
December 14th, 2012 at 3:01 AM ^
You are constantly ready for the ball, but you're not moving /running a ton...that energy and tension can be intense. So when the play is over, you kinda have to exhale and get it all together for the next one.
December 13th, 2012 at 7:54 PM ^
Need this set. Would be really good to even it up.
December 13th, 2012 at 7:55 PM ^
can really get high. We cant seem to block her. But we are more balanced. How can Texas have 2 serve errors in one set let alone an entire match?
We can do this with their big gun on the bench.
December 13th, 2012 at 7:56 PM ^
Comeback is underway!!
December 13th, 2012 at 7:57 PM ^
Got to keep swinging like you have to keep shooting like you have to keep passing. Really huge to even this up. Brand new game. Bring it on.
December 13th, 2012 at 7:57 PM ^
The good gals tied it up. Go Blue!
December 13th, 2012 at 7:59 PM ^
I want this NC so bad for this program. Hasn't been historically good, haven't won a B1G Championship ever and is tied going into halftime in the Final 4.
It just goes to show how strong the B1G is when a team that finishes 11-9 in conference play is in the Final 4.
December 13th, 2012 at 8:02 PM ^
I said several times that the SB team would be the next M NC. I ment no disrespect to any other Varsity sport. I conceeded to sing the Yellow and Blue in the Diag if they win the NC. I will post it on youtube for all to laugh.
Lets go ladies.
December 13th, 2012 at 8:02 PM ^
Funny that the Big 10 has more teams in the Final Four than the Pac 12.
December 13th, 2012 at 8:11 PM ^
matchup with Michigan and Penn St.
December 13th, 2012 at 8:20 PM ^
M has had a ton of chances to get this lead to 3 and have come up just short. If they can get up 3, it will be huge.
December 13th, 2012 at 8:20 PM ^
This is intense to watch. Certainly not like the volleyball I played in gym class.
December 13th, 2012 at 8:25 PM ^
I remember taking a spike to the crotch while standing by the girl I had a crush on in my sophmore year. I always said and will always say Josh did that on purpose. Haven't touched a volleyball since lol
December 13th, 2012 at 8:29 PM ^
Actually I used a volleyball much more playing dodgeball. And yes...getting hit in the balls by a hard dodgeball throw was not fun, from what I remember.
December 13th, 2012 at 8:23 PM ^
Big Ace to get us up 3, but UT weathered that well. Need to stay up 2!
December 13th, 2012 at 8:24 PM ^
but, man, this is fun to watch.
December 13th, 2012 at 8:24 PM ^
This is the first volleyball (game? match?) thing I have ever watched, and it's pretty fantastic. Prolly doesn't hurt that Big Blue is doing work in this tourney..and all the Bo talk, it's a good transition
December 13th, 2012 at 8:24 PM ^
watching tjis
December 13th, 2012 at 8:28 PM ^
Rallyed a mini-run by Texas and have forced another TO!
Very close here, up 19-17! No mistakes and the great defense is the key!
December 13th, 2012 at 8:28 PM ^
Another interesting tie to football: Molly Toon is sister to Nick Toon former Wisconsin football receiver.
December 13th, 2012 at 8:29 PM ^
And daughter of NFL'er Al Toon
December 13th, 2012 at 8:29 PM ^
What an exciting team to watch! I love how loose the team is playing under such pressure. It's amazing they've made it this far when as they mentioned we finished 6th in the Big Ten. We've definitely peaked at the right time. Hope we keep it going. Finish out this set and complete the match in set 4.
December 13th, 2012 at 8:32 PM ^
They look like they are having fun and UT looks tight.
December 13th, 2012 at 8:31 PM ^
Love seeing all the MGoBloggers saying they enjoy the game. Supporting Michigan Athletics introduces me to new sports that I grow to love.
December 13th, 2012 at 8:33 PM ^
Here we go! Up 22-19!!!
EDIT: WOW! What defense. Up 23-20.
December 13th, 2012 at 8:33 PM ^
We dont have a M Volleyball team.
December 13th, 2012 at 8:35 PM ^
there aren't that many men's teams. Mainly on the west coast. Lots of CA teams
December 13th, 2012 at 8:41 PM ^
ohio has one. Would be cool to see Michigan add one. The more varsity sports the better IMO. I'd take Skiing or Bowling if they wanted to add it.
December 13th, 2012 at 8:56 PM ^
I believe at this point only Ohio and Penn State have teams. Just as the women's team, Penn State is pretty strong every year having won some national championships.
Would love to see Michigan add a team. Many Big Ten schools have club teams that play in tournaments throughout the year including Michigan but just haven't officially joined as a varsity sport like Penn State or Ohio.
December 13th, 2012 at 8:33 PM ^
Wish I could have been home to watch this....keep the updates coming!!
December 13th, 2012 at 8:34 PM ^
Good TO by Rosen. You have 2, so use one here to do what you can to get this to set point before UT gets any momentum.
December 13th, 2012 at 8:35 PM ^
Big moment. Have got to take this set. 23-21 got to get it. C'mon.
December 13th, 2012 at 8:35 PM ^
My wife never watches sports, but she's loving this. Go Blue!
December 13th, 2012 at 8:35 PM ^
WOO! Set point!