Volleyball v. Penn State Open Thread

Submitted by MGoAndy on

Michigan volleyball (#15) taking on Penn State (#9) tonight at 7 at a sold out Cliff Keen.  Michigan hasn't lost at home this year and is primed to take down the Nittany Lions.

If you don't have a ticket, listen live online.  Tape delayed on ESPN2 Sunday afternoon.

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/university-of-michigan-athletics

formerlyanonymous

November 5th, 2010 at 6:40 PM ^

Also on ESPN3 live.

EDIT:

Oh, and HATE HATE HATE HATE PENN STATE.

Maize out at home has been sold out for a while. #15 Michigan hasn't beaten #9 Penn State in years. Penn State is "down" this year, which means only a top 10 team instead of a consensus #1. Michigan is still a little young, but Lexi and Hunt are fucking awesome.

I highly suggest those who can catch the game try to. The intensity at Cliff Keen makes volleyball games one of the best venues on campus (right after Yost or the Big House).

BEAT PENN STATE.

Wolverine Devotee

November 5th, 2010 at 7:08 PM ^

Also we got bball season tipping off tonight with the preseason game against Saginaw Valley over at Crisler

formerlyanonymous

November 5th, 2010 at 7:14 PM ^

Definitely trying to distract Slay with the 4-sets to McElheny. Working pretty well if it weren't for Penn State's DS Quilico. And damn is she still something to look at (Quilico that is).

Damn, can Blair Brown graduate yet?

formerlyanonymous

November 5th, 2010 at 7:21 PM ^

Made a good adjustment at the last timeout to be less aggressive and prepare for the blocks. Another good one to set back to McElheny and Cross. Hunt is lined up with death when it comes to Slay.

I'm not sure what else we can do in avoiding Slay. I'd like to see more pressure put on Brown, but there's only so much you can do while protecting the middle.

formerlyanonymous

November 5th, 2010 at 7:27 PM ^

Sigh, 17-25. Michigan loses first set. Not looking good either. Penn State's backline are money on the tip and their block is enormous. Hunt tried to sucker them in with shooting high twice, blockers totally whiffed as if they saw it coming.

I'm hoping we see Lexi go a little more on 2 in the next set. The 2-3 attempts she had in the first set were money. We need to keep Slay off Hunt.

formerlyanonymous

November 5th, 2010 at 7:34 PM ^

No reason not to tip the attack on a triple block. Freshman error.

Great couple of points in a row. Long points are wearing down the block. It's not a strategy to play that long, but it's working in our favor.

formerlyanonymous

November 5th, 2010 at 7:49 PM ^

At least we got out of the rotation of Erwin, McElheny, and Cross up front. Youthful mistakes killed cost us that 6 or 7 point run for PSU. ARGH. It's like watching Michigan's football secondary, but only slightly better.

bluenyc

November 5th, 2010 at 8:18 PM ^

Yeah, these are dedicated v-ball announcers.  I hear them on other v-ball telecasts all the time.  The was a nice set by the PSu girl when she was right at the net.

formerlyanonymous

November 5th, 2010 at 8:23 PM ^

Sigh... I'm about ready to pack this in. Too much youth in what was supposed to be the "rebuilding/reloading" year. Cross is still a bit behind on getting to blocks, especially on the slide. McElehny is alright as a right side. She's going to continue to play well and get better.

Passing has been rough tonight, which is disappointing with how well Donhoff has been over the last two years. I'm not sure how much of it has been Sloane, but just the backline in general has really kept us out of system. It seems like both Hunt and Busch are both slow to react to tips. Both have had trouble being in good position in the back.

Hopefully we just caught them on a bad night. I can't imagine that they've moved up to #15 playing like they'e done today. Penn State's block just broke up all momentum. Hats off to their girls. They have played extremely well.

bluenyc

November 5th, 2010 at 8:27 PM ^

I think Psu is better than 9.  Look at that wall and Blair Brown is a beast and A Wilson as well.  Why don't we play at Crisler.  I like Cliff Keen and the atmosphere, but the ceiling hits make me feel like we were in high school.

formerlyanonymous

November 5th, 2010 at 8:30 PM ^

It'd look bad having Crisler only 10% filled. Another problem they've had there is drafts. The way the air conditioning and air flows through the building has caused problems in the past. The last time they had the NCAA regional there, it took a lot of practice in the building, during a time when the basketball teams have priority usage. From what I understand, our players didn't like it.

Michigan has lost the last couple times they've played over there, too; superstition may hold some credence.

formerlyanonymous

November 5th, 2010 at 8:34 PM ^

Game over. Swept. That's the worst game we've had against Penn State in at least 4 years. We were at least taking them to 5 games over the last few years. This was just bad. Sigh. Quick turn around though.

Michigan plays Ohio State tomorrow at 6pm. For those still in Ann Arbor, no better way to celebrate/get over the football game than heading to watch a Michigan team DESTROY the Buckeyes in any sport.