still have to pass, and still have to set
agree, the setter height or touch point is a big deal for a weakness in the block. Irvine last year had a short setter. we do this year so teams will target to hit over Panzanti,
UCLA has a 6'4" MB, quickness is huge for the MBs, Preuitt is 6'6" and super quick. with fast offenses.
and then passing, longer dudes will be targets on serve if they can't pass. Sani (6'9") last year was set to take over for Sotoris, but for whatever reason struggled to not shank serves. Kandev stepped in and received really well. Sani's down at UCSD now, can bet we'll be targeting him on serve until he proves he can give a setter decent passes.
USC has a 7' MB, yikes!
good thing is Gajek we have that extra pin again this year, and given both Danill and Kandev had injury issues last year, the depth probably will be needed again. will be interesting to see who starts at the Opp & will Miles JOrdan redshirt 
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These guys seem to get taller every year. Hawaii could start a team full of 6'9 and taller guys. UCLA is really tall too. Every team seems to have a 6'10 or taller middle blocker now. Good OH/OPP seem to be in the 6'7 range, while setters are trending up too. Height isn't everything but coaches need to consider that in the recruiting process. Previous Message
and the poll!
https://www.avca.org/polls-awards/polls/?_season=2026&_divisions=national-collegiate-men Previous Message
in MVB preseason poll
time to prove the pollsters wrong
some 1st place votes, but UCLA & Hawaii above, presumably cause of losing Moni
I would not put too much stock in UCLA, yes Rowan is a senior, they still have to prove they can pass again, and lost a stud pin
Pepperdine, USC could be really good. Pepperdine returns players and they may have played us the best of all the teams last year. USC has a 7 ' MB.
even Irvine could be up there. It's a pretty wide open year. & 5 at-large berths this year
hard to judge the eastern teams, Loyola lost their stud Opp. Penn State has to be better, one of their worst years. I expect Ohio State to be decent.
still no details other than dates on the February big time tourny at the Honda Center where we'll play UCLA & USC on successive nights.
that match in Malibu early on will be a good indicator
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on 12/24/2025, 8:55 am, in reply to "