PSU vs. Michigan: Q&A with Club Coach

We've posted a Q&A with Club Coach. Here's the link: #4 Penn State vs. Michigan (11-18-15): Q&A with Club Coach

And here's an excerpt:

We’re talking again with Club Coach, who played D1 volleyball and has coached numerous successful collegiate volleyball players, with some questions about the team post-Minnesota loss, pre-Michigan match.

DigNittany: Penn State is coming off a very tough loss to Minnesota, in which the Gophers swept the Nittany Lions – the first time Penn State had lost in fewer than five sets this season. They say a loss is a teaching opportunity, but at the same time, in some respects, you want to put a loss behind you and not dwell on your mistakes. As a coach, how do you balance that?

Club Coach: I am certain given how competitive this league is, that the Penn State staff is constantly talking to the team about having a short memory. You have to move very quickly from a loss or a win, because there is always another tough match right around the corner — if not the next night. The ability to do that is critical in the Big Ten. Nobody feels sorry for PSU, least of all the team itself. I think you will see a good bounce back.

DigNittany: 6-4 RS Sr. Aiyana Whitney has played both RS and MB this season, and has achieved success at both positions. Moving Whitney to MB opens up a spot for 6-1 So. OH/RS Simone Lee – a very dynamic and energetic player who brings a lot of offensive power to the front row.

When Whitney has been at RS, 6-2 So. MB Heidi Thelen has filled in at MB. Thelen is a very talented blocker, but less but hasn’t had as much offensive success. Penn State was out blocked by Minnesota, but they didn’t have great success offensively, either.

As a coach, what would be some of the factors that would shape your decision as to which lineup to go with – and do you lean one way or the other (with the caveat that you haven’t seen the players in practice, or in all their matches)?

Club Coach: Well for one, PSU won’t be reactionary to one loss in regards to line-up. There are definite pluses and minuses to having Whitney RS or middle. On the whole, Whitney has been dominant in the middle, and she also was, and is, an All-American on the right. In the end, I think the decision to move her to the middle wasn’t so much about her, but rather it allows Penn State to put what is probably its best 6 “players” on the court. Besides strong play, Lee is a great energy kid who adds a lot to chemistry. I would venture to guess even the coaches aren’t sure if they are in the right line-up, but you have to make decisions and go with them. Penn State has played great volleyball with Whitney on the right and middle, and also struggled some. I don’t believe any of the challenges they have are due to where she is playing.