Long Beach State Athletics!: Re: wvb

Kennedy looked very good at middle, Saturday. Remains to be seen if that continues. They are weak at that position. Bacon needs to show vast improvement. Hopefully, she will, this spring. But, until that happens, I understand the move of Kennedy to middle. I do agree that the pins need to be solid for that move to happen. Agi showed a lot, Saturday, including a solid back row attack. I hope that continues. I was very impressed. Glenn is playing Beach right now, so I didn't get the chance to evaluate any improvement from her. But, we need more size on the left side. Hanna Lesiak is a hopeful there, but she didn't look totaly comfortable. I believe she has talent, and some athleticism. We'll see how she progresses, and adapts to the system, during the spring.

Previous Message

I'm still mystified/baffled/wondrous as to the benefits of Kennedy at Middle

She's proven as a pin hitter, and god knows last year pin hitting was an issue. Why would a coach sacrifice that, albeit maybe a statement on the ability of the middles.

I expected more progress from Bacon last year, hopefully there's some more weight training and her timing gets better. Sheffie looked athletic at times last year.

Hayes is interesting, she also as a RS brings some solid setting ability, and has a nice serve.

assuming Glenn is also a RS candidate. Not a big fan of her (lefty) playing the left side. Could see Glenn as a DS with ability to back-row attack.

one thing for sure, Tyler has a 'unique' vision of assembling his team. I expect he probably wants to be among the 'fastest' paced teams in D1. Which could be fantastic, unless it's so fast that they pile up errors at a fast rate.

It's Zayna's team in a lot of ways this year, so hopefully she channels her best Misty May/Hochevar/Hudson game, we'll know for sure when we see her make a back-row attack a regular thing!

Previous Message

They've only been practicing for a week, so these are preliminary observations from this match. Clear stars were newcomer, Elise Abi, Katie Kennedy, and Zayna Meyer. Note that Kennedy played middle. Possible most improved would be Muara Hayes, who looked good on the right side. Freshman to watch would be Grace O"Reilly, a left hander who also plays RS. Nicole Hoff, Jenna Giambi, and Savannah Chacon all took turns at the libero position.

Based on this match, Abi looked great. Had a wide range of attacks, blocks well, and is a six rotation player.

Middle, beyond Kennedy, is still a question, although Sheffie had her moments. We'll know more in the fall when a touted freshman arrives, Ella Lomigora.

We'll learn more as they progress through the spring season.

Previous Message

did anyone go to the wvb black and gold match today? ----------