UCI has had a horrible non-conf and that program last few years has so many lows with a couple of head scratching highs thrown in, so would expect they'll be competitive. their libero is piling up the dig stats, although I've never really been able to assess what high dig stats mean in a team context, but does suggest some very solid backrow play.
UCSD I expect to be really tough. Yes, their SOS was worse, but they did play enough top 100 teams and actually went to five sets n 3 of them. and were 0-4 in five setters vs 3-0 for Long Beach.
ALL of UCSD matches were on the road, so being home with a new court and students staring the quarter this week, could translate into a pretty large crowd
McCluskley is probably the top pin in the conference with her kills but also a very high attack %, she's the real deal and stayed at UCSD when could have left. They will have a tough offense to deal with. She's lefty, and with Hamaker in the top of of the Opps in conference. & McClusky also receives and pretty solid there as well. so will we serve to her to slow her down or serve away given her stellar receive stats. Reagan tends to short serve strategically as well on some pin hitters.
the good thing is the team played a 6-2 team last week, and both UCI & UCSD will be playing a 6-2 so that was great prep ahead of these matches.
team has been solid not getting too far behind and also not making mistakes when the score gets close to 20, leading to closiong out sets in tight matches. defense definitely a big part
I look for Mad Max to maybe increase her kill % somewhat, just more consistent attacks.
key though is the serve-receive to keep building on solid play, a huge part of why this team grinds down oppoenents late in matches. and then the left side pins keep improving, as I'm sure Hamaker will be a likely focus, so Reagan will move around Hamaker on the attack.
big weekend to keep momentum. Sac State will be 2-0 and tied for first no matter what given they are playing horrific bottom Big West teams at home, so it's important to play well and keep making a statement with their play. the opponents in the Big West just are not at same level but the coaches start adjustments more intently in conference.
Irvine first though, and get in the right conference mind set. the beginning of the Brown match should convince this group to not take anything for granted and not to overlook any opponent
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Like what was mentioned before, I hope the coaches and players do not come in over confident or uninspired. Both these teams can play pretty good if healthy and now have the time to seriously game plan.
The one thing I really like about this year's LBSU team is that when they fall behind big they do not throw in the towel. Ladies have shown some grit and mental toughness that may not have been present in some past teams. You can never count out this teams.
The defense has pretty much been solid all season and the offense is starting to click more often now. The team needs to cut down on their attacking errors, especially in spurts. Serve and pass has really blossomed and I expect that will continue. The team's back row unit has just been great.
Looking for two tough wins on the road this weekend.
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on 9/23/2026, 10:32 am, in reply to "