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early conference critical matches

the team can really set the tone and a big test for Reagan era

UCSB and Poly I see as co-equal favorites to this point. both played tough schedules, both got solid P4 ranked wins (UCSB over UCLA, Poly over Arkansas & Utah).

two different styles. UCSB has run a 6-2 under Jones, don't recruit for to have their setters to block or attack. always 3 front row attackers in the 6-2 and they have solid hitters. nothing fancy, just easy to read if out of system.

Poly has the best setter in conference in Bullis, maybe a top 4 or 5 conference setter in their backup, who set them to beat Beach in last years BWCT semis. They lost their top two OHs, on the other hand the two OHs are much better passers. along with Beach the top Serve-receive combo team. Much different team than last year with the passing so much better. They are good.

like all VB, it'll be serve receive. we don't have any elite servers just as a team the location and consistency and variation has been really good last two weeks. then again, the competition last two weeks wasn't really all that great to be frank.

it's a big challenge. post Joy the team has needed to show some moxy in these early conference matches and grind because SB/Poly/Hawaii have just seemed to have a bit better mental edge.

the team seems to be one of the best constant developing teams post Joy. Mad Max keeps improving, the frosh players really contributing, & Agi is a rock passing back there and has bunch of shots, the middles are working their butts off and can see the improvement - this year is kind of a 2nd chance last chance for them after college careers as practice players. they really exude being hungry which is great.

won't be surprised if both these are 5 setters. either way, we'll see if this program has learned how to take a punch and punch back now.