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Post by cross5 on Nov 18, 2015 22:29:35 GMT -5
I think the date is November 18th 2015. As of now we don't have a girl named Kendall White on the PSU roster. Not sure why she keeps getting brought up ?
I could be wrong but it seems we have 4 more matches for sure. I'm keeping my energy there.
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Post by nyline on Nov 18, 2015 22:43:51 GMT -5
Hi, everyone. First post after lurking for awhile. In general: Penn State is its own worst enemy. Michigan played well--to their credit--but State should have had this match. They are flat out better, at least in theory (yikes). Seems like a classic case of young girls managing the pressure that comes along with playing for a big time program that's won back to back championships. We all expect another championship, and nothing less, every year. There are only a handful of college sports programs (singular sport, not school) across the country that has these types of expectations. Considering Bryanna was crying after the loss tonight, I think it's safe to say that this is at least part of the problem. It's a great issue to have until a team starts underperforming even slightly. Here's to hoping that they can regroup, but boy this was sad. It hurt watching the reaction to the loss. Almost like they didn't believe it was happening until it did. Specifically tonight: I loved the way Penn State came out, but in hindsight it a seemed like they were too relaxed (not sure if that's the word because they were pretty hyped up). They really let up in that second set very quickly. Almost as if they didn't believe Michigan had it in them, but I think it'd be going too far to suggest they were arrogant enough to overlook a team that took them to 5 sets a month ago. I've been holding off on posting for this reason: Keeton Holcomb. Not because she's struggled at times, but because of how much phishtrix she takes on this board and volleytalk. I realize that's it not anything personal towards the kid, but some of the criticism has been over the top at times. She didn't play great tonight--no Lion did--but she was not the problem. Considering she got the jersey stripped off of her last game (which can't be good for a young player's confidence), I thought she showed a lot of resiliency tonight. She had some good moments tonight; in particular, I thought she was much more consistent. Personally, I think it'd be good to keep a little perspective on her. Being thrust into such a significant role as a walk-on(?) can't be easy. Also considering that she's from such a small town and so far away from home. I went out of state for college too and it was tough that first semester. Can't even imagine what it would have been like to have the added pressure that comes with playing for Penn State. In that sense, I truly empathize with her and I wish her the absolute best. She definitely seems to have a different personality than a typical libero. Washington and others were trying to pump her up a few times tonight and Holcomb was having none of it, it was actually kind of funny. I'm not sure if Keeton is merely intense or is a little overwhelmed still. While I can certainly understand those who are writing her off for next year, I think it's a bit early for that. Who would've thought Keeton would have been able to come in and not look out of place (for the most part)? I don't think it's fair to write her off in the same way that I don't think it's fair to assume Kendall White will be an incredible improvement. Until a player comes in and actually sees Big 10 serves, you don't truly know how they will respond. It's a lot to put that on any kid right out of high school. Welcome to the forum, and thanking so much for such a thoughtful and observant post. I hope you post again soon.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 18, 2015 22:46:59 GMT -5
Hi, everyone. First post after lurking for awhile. In general: Penn State is its own worst enemy. Michigan played well--to their credit--but State should have had this match. They are flat out better, at least in theory (yikes). Seems like a classic case of young girls managing the pressure that comes along with playing for a big time program that's won back to back championships. We all expect another championship, and nothing less, every year. There are only a handful of college sports programs (singular sport, not school) across the country that has these types of expectations. Considering Bryanna was crying after the loss tonight, I think it's safe to say that this is at least part of the problem. It's a great issue to have until a team starts underperforming even slightly. Here's to hoping that they can regroup, but boy this was sad. It hurt watching the reaction to the loss. Almost like they didn't believe it was happening until it did. Specifically tonight: I loved the way Penn State came out, but in hindsight it a seemed like they were too relaxed (not sure if that's the word because they were pretty hyped up). They really let up in that second set very quickly. Almost as if they didn't believe Michigan had it in them, but I think it'd be going too far to suggest they were arrogant enough to overlook a team that took them to 5 sets a month ago. I've been holding off on posting for this reason: Keeton Holcomb. Not because she's struggled at times, but because of how much phishtrix she takes on this board and volleytalk. I realize that's it not anything personal towards the kid, but some of the criticism has been over the top at times. She didn't play great tonight--no Lion did--but she was not the problem. Considering she got the jersey stripped off of her last game (which can't be good for a young player's confidence), I thought she showed a lot of resiliency tonight. She had some good moments tonight; in particular, I thought she was much more consistent. Personally, I think it'd be good to keep a little perspective on her. Being thrust into such a significant role as a walk-on(?) can't be easy. Also considering that she's from such a small town and so far away from home. I went out of state for college too and it was tough that first semester. Can't even imagine what it would have been like to have the added pressure that comes with playing for Penn State. In that sense, I truly empathize with her and I wish her the absolute best. She definitely seems to have a different personality than a typical libero. Washington and others were trying to pump her up a few times tonight and Holcomb was having none of it, it was actually kind of funny. I'm not sure if Keeton is merely intense or is a little overwhelmed still. While I can certainly understand those who are writing her off for next year, I think it's a bit early for that. Who would've thought Keeton would have been able to come in and not look out of place (for the most part)? I don't think it's fair to write her off in the same way that I don't think it's fair to assume Kendall White will be an incredible improvement. Until a player comes in and actually sees Big 10 serves, you don't truly know how they will respond. It's a lot to put that on any kid right out of high school. Welcome to the forum, and thanking so much for such a thoughtful and observant post. I hope you post again soon. Please post again. So many of us post so as to boost Nyline's self-esteem. We don't want his considerable efforts to appear unappreciated.
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Post by happyvolley on Nov 18, 2015 22:48:23 GMT -5
I think the date is November 18th 2015. As of now we don't have a girl named Kendall White on the PSU roster. Not sure why she keeps getting brought up ? I could be wrong but it seems we have 4 more matches for sure. I'm keeping my energy there. I'm with you.
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Post by nyline on Nov 18, 2015 22:59:08 GMT -5
I think the date is November 18th 2015. As of now we don't have a girl named Kendall White on the PSU roster. Not sure why she keeps getting brought up ? I could be wrong but it seems we have 4 more matches for sure. I'm keeping my energy there. I'm with you. OK, me too. But cross5 needs to give us more than these Delphic "change is coming" pronouncements. We need positive reinforcement. Or reinforcements. ☺
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Post by happyvolley on Nov 18, 2015 23:01:39 GMT -5
... I've been holding off on posting for this reason: Keeton Holcomb. Not because she's struggled at times, but because of how much phishtrix she takes on this board and volleytalk. I realize that's it not anything personal towards the kid, but some of the criticism has been over the top at times. She didn't play great tonight--no Lion did--but she was not the problem. Considering she got the jersey stripped off of her last game (which can't be good for a young player's confidence), I thought she showed a lot of resiliency tonight. She had some good moments tonight; in particular, I thought she was much more consistent. Personally, I think it'd be good to keep a little perspective on her. Being thrust into such a significant role as a walk-on(?) can't be easy. Also considering that she's from such a small town and so far away from home. I went out of state for college too and it was tough that first semester. Can't even imagine what it would have been like to have the added pressure that comes with playing for Penn State. In that sense, I truly empathize with her and I wish her the absolute best. She definitely seems to have a different personality than a typical libero. Washington and others were trying to pump her up a few times tonight and Holcomb was having none of it, it was actually kind of funny. I'm not sure if Keeton is merely intense or is a little overwhelmed still. While I can certainly understand those who are writing her off for next year, I think it's a bit early for that. Who would've thought Keeton would have been able to come in and not look out of place (for the most part)? I don't think it's fair to write her off in the same way that I don't think it's fair to assume Kendall White will be an incredible improvement. Until a player comes in and actually sees Big 10 serves, you don't truly know how they will respond. It's a lot to put that on any kid right out of high school. Welcome to the forum. Regarding Holcomb, you're absolutely correct that one player doesn't deserve all the blame or recognition. VB is a team oriented game. Keeton has done a great job passing this year in the majority of matches and the fact that she joined PSU late, she gets my support (I think a "walk-on" means she didn't get a scholarship, so not sure about her being one). I can only see Holcomb getting better in the coming years, she has a lot of upside. Even if she loses her job next year, she will be a very viable option at DS, her passing is exceptional. Her only knock, as of late, is that she's gotten aced a few times (ball dropped right in front of her). However, the losses are a team problem and, at this point, I think are mental lapses like you stated, perhaps from the pressure of playing for a top notch program with high expectations. I think most posters are trying to figure out who and what to blame, and generally, are venting their frustrations. It hurts to watch your team lose. I really like the fact that there are people out there who are not ready to bail on their team or players. Looking forward to the end of the season, although, my expectations are dropping every week. Look forward to hearing more from you and other "lurkers" out there. Thank you for the warm welcome, everyone. Maybe I'm reaching, maybe not...rock bottom isn't such a horrible thing to happen to a team right before a big match against Nebraska. It may be too late to reach the ultimate goal, but a little adversity that builds some toughness can't be a bad thing for the NCAA tournament and the years to come. This is a very young roster.
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Post by cross5 on Nov 18, 2015 23:07:12 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum. Regarding Holcomb, you're absolutely correct that one player doesn't deserve all the blame or recognition. VB is a team oriented game. Keeton has done a great job passing this year in the majority of matches and the fact that she joined PSU late, she gets my support (I think a "walk-on" means she didn't get a scholarship, so not sure about her being one). I can only see Holcomb getting better in the coming years, she has a lot of upside. Even if she loses her job next year, she will be a very viable option at DS, her passing is exceptional. Her only knock, as of late, is that she's gotten aced a few times (ball dropped right in front of her). However, the losses are a team problem and, at this point, I think are mental lapses like you stated, perhaps from the pressure of playing for a top notch program with high expectations. I think most posters are trying to figure out who and what to blame, and generally, are venting their frustrations. It hurts to watch your team lose. I really like the fact that there are people out there who are not ready to bail on their team or players. Looking forward to the end of the season, although, my expectations are dropping every week. Look forward to hearing more from you and other "lurkers" out there. Thank you for the warm welcome, everyone. Maybe I'm reaching, maybe not...rock bottom isn't such a horrible thing to happen to a team right before a big match against Nebraska. It may be too late to reach the ultimate goal, but a little adversity that builds some toughness can't be a bad thing for the NCAA tournament and the years to come. This is a very young roster. A young roster with more final 4 experience than any team in the nation. Just saying.
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Post by nyline on Nov 18, 2015 23:14:46 GMT -5
Thank you for the warm welcome, everyone. Maybe I'm reaching, maybe not...rock bottom isn't such a horrible thing to happen to a team right before a big match against Nebraska. It may be too late to reach the ultimate goal, but a little adversity that builds some toughness can't be a bad thing for the NCAA tournament and the years to come. This is a very young roster. A young roster with more final 4 experience than any team in the nation. Just saying. By the way, both Lee and Thelen played tonight -- Thelen in the 3rd set. After the first set, it didn't appear to make much of a difference. On a different note, what's the headline for the match? (You will get no credit for coining the winning entry). I'm leaning towards "Oh My God the World as We Know it Has Ended," but that may need some polishing.
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Post by seeyajohn on Nov 18, 2015 23:36:25 GMT -5
Being realistic the team is clearly headed too far in the wrong direction to harbor any hopes of a national championship. They are also likely (with a probable loss at Nebraska) to have the poorest PSU record in the B1G since 2002. A round of 8 appearance would be a good result this year.
Having said that, and as others have said, this is a good volleyball team. We have been spoiled rotten by the tremendous results over the last ten years. The weakest season in that time was Micha's freshman year when PSU absorbed eight losses including 4 in the B1G.
All we can ask is that the team give its best possible effort for the remainder of the season, and I'm sure we'll get that.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 19, 2015 6:03:47 GMT -5
A young roster with more final 4 experience than any team in the nation. Just saying. By the way, both Lee and Thelen played tonight -- Thelen in the 3rd set. After the first set, it didn't appear to make much of a difference. On a different note, what's the headline for the match? (You will get no credit for coining the winning entry). I'm leaning towards "Oh My God the World as We Know it Has Ended," but that may need some polishing. PSU Augurs Itself In... Now We Learn What's on the Other Side? Hard part about matching a title like that with text is that it requires some foresight. Glad you get the big bucks Nyline. You earn them. Off to the rain room...
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Post by nyline on Nov 19, 2015 7:30:37 GMT -5
By the way, both Lee and Thelen played tonight -- Thelen in the 3rd set. After the first set, it didn't appear to make much of a difference. On a different note, what's the headline for the match? (You will get no credit for coining the winning entry). I'm leaning towards "Oh My God the World as We Know it Has Ended," but that may need some polishing. PSU Augurs Itself In... Now We Learn What's on the Other Side? Hard part about matching a title like that with text is that it requires some foresight. Glad you get the big bucks Nyline. You earn them. Off to the rain room... We ended up going for the mundane: Michigan Shrugs Off 1st-Set Loss — Takes Match From Penn State
But a heading in the body of the post is a bit more colorful: "If the Crowd Really Booed the Team, then Lame Lame Lame, Shame, Shame Shame on the Crowd" (with accompanying video, which for some reason won't open here)
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Post by Deleted on Nov 19, 2015 7:47:55 GMT -5
One poster on VT explained very nicely what happened regarding the booing -
The fans were not booing the Penn State team. They were booing the referee's decision to call fan interference and cost PSU a point, which would have given them a 23-22 lead in Set 3. This call delayed the action for almost two minutes, and it cooled off the PSU team and their momentum. They ended up losing 25-22, and the fans booed the official, who made the call, some more afterwards because they felt he cost PSU the set.
Interesting, I wonder if some of the girls thought the booing was being directed at them, and that was why they were crying? Although, it was probably from a really emotional talk they got from Aiyanna after the game.
It seems like a sweet 16 appearance will be this year's lot (anything after that would be gravy). Of course, if they get hot, the fire only needs to last for 6 games (or 3 weeks) - that holds true for every team.
On another note, can anyone get a high resolution photo of the back of the PSU practice jerseys with the 7 stars? I've been trying to find a graphic online but to no avail.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 19, 2015 8:11:40 GMT -5
PSU Augurs Itself In... Now We Learn What's on the Other Side? Hard part about matching a title like that with text is that it requires some foresight. Glad you get the big bucks Nyline. You earn them. Off to the rain room... We ended up going for the mundane: Michigan Shrugs Off 1st-Set Loss — Takes Match From Penn State
But a heading in the body of the post is a bit more colorful: "If the Crowd Really Booed the Team, then Lame Lame Lame, Shame, Shame Shame on the Crowd" (with accompanying video, which for some reason won't open here)
Where did you dig up the video and the photos? Talk about getting people's minds of that loss, that video will sure do it. It's got enough of a catchy jingle that I'll be hearing it over and over in my mind for the next week. Now I only need to figure out how to erase it from memory.
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Post by tillie1014 on Nov 19, 2015 18:54:16 GMT -5
NO ONE IS IRREPLACEABLE! Yes, they were outstanding and I watched Dom tonight during the match and she was body posture pulling for her x teammates. There will be others and Keaton may well be one of them. I was not sure why Megan kept putting little drop[shots over the net on the third contact when the opponents became so conditioned to expect them One further word on Keaton. She is in the line up because Russ doesn't have anyone else who he thinks can be better: And who else knows more about who is good than him?
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Post by orangeknight on Nov 19, 2015 22:35:02 GMT -5
I still believe in our team. Please just bring their confidence back.
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