Comments on: UH-BYU rewind

By: karmady

karmady — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 23:11:17 +0000

You’re right, Cindy – I was a little scattered & wasn’t really clear. My BYU friend also follows UH because I’m a fan and we have a friendly rivalry, so he was commenting about the matches he’s watched online. The UH team on Saturday really lit it up and left it all on the floor…they have nothing to hang their heads about, especially when you factor in the AGES of most of the BYU players. Age makes a difference in the close ones. Can’t wait for next year!

By: Cindy Luis

Cindy Luis — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 09:34:59 +0000

20. perhaps I misinterpreted the way you phrased it about your friends comments regarding the difference between the first 2 matches at BYU and Saturday. I thought you meant they were discussing how Marks and Zarkovic got the majority of sets in January, which really wasn’t the case.
As for Averill, he started 13 of 27 matches at Opp in 2012. but BYU was the first he had played there this season (I believe). given that he’s had some training at setter, have been impressed with his versatility.

By: karmady

karmady — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 09:13:24 +0000

Maybe harsh, but I was referring to the entire season, when JP & Siki did get the majority of sets…and were, as you point out, the leading hitters. Not taking anything away from either one of them – they are terrific, but I don’t think anyone would disagree you need to mix the offense up plenty when playing the #1 team in the country. Besides, didn’t Averill play opposite all last year?

By: Cindy Luis

Cindy Luis — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 21:35:05 +0000

16. think that’s a bit harsh. When they played at BYU it was the first 2 matches of the season. Most of the players had never played in Provo, which is a very tough place to play. And the lineup was very different, including setter and libero.
Starting that first match (a sweep) back then were Wechsung, West, Zarkovic, Olsen, Etim-Thomas, Marks and Kanetake. Olsen set 29 times, Marks 18, Zarkovic 12, West 10.
Second match (went 4) they started Wechsung, Sedore, West, Marks, Holt, Olsen and Cheape Marks got 32 sets, Olsen 26, West 21. Zarkovic of the bench got 7 sets.
So I don’t see that Marks and Zarkovic got the majority of sets in those two matches vs. BYU. Marks for sure the second night but Zarkovic barely touched the ball that night.
Team was trying to find itself back then.
Coaches should be credited for being able to put together a very competitive lineup, giving that their two leading hitters were out. And Averill deserves a lot of credit for doing so well in a new position.

By: Warriorfan

Warriorfan — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 19:38:05 +0000

Well the coaches deserve some credit for better chemistry. It’s not just because Siki and JP weren’t playing. And Wade certainly deserves credit for having his team ready to compete and moving Taylor to opposite.

By: 2chainz

2chainz — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 18:48:40 +0000

Well you can’t expect instant chemistry especially for the first 2 matches of the season with a new player at almost every position…

By: karmady

karmady — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:00:53 +0000

The chemistry with this lineup made the difference…I have friends who are BYU fans who noticed a huge difference (better teamwork) between this match and January. One said “if the coach can’t see the chemistry with this group, he’s BLIND.” When JP/Siki are in, they get the lion’s share of the sets and that is waaaay too predictable for a smart team like BYU. I don’t think Wade should get any breathing room – this lineup was completely fumbled into, with the unexpected issues with JP and Siki.

That said, they played their hearts out, in a very very difficult venue. Nothing but good things to come for this group!

By: Warriorfan

Warriorfan — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 14:57:14 +0000

In the playoffs anything goes. Making the playoffs not only gave Charlie Wade some breathing room but it gave the guys a chance to almost knock off the number one team ( probable national champion) and they got a ton of confidence, especially for sophomores Brook and Taylor who are poised to be MPSF first teamers next season.

By: volleyball fan

volleyball fan — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 04:49:21 +0000

Warriorfan, as I said in a different string, UH did surprise me. Seeing how badly they played against Northridge and UCSB, I really thought it would have been better to spare them the pain of traveling and losing big time to BYU. So they improved surprisingly. And maybe some read my pessimistic comments and wanted to prove me wrong. You know, sometimes a coach will also push a team not playing to its potential by telling them that they played like they wanted to lose. Anyway, I can’t comment on this match since I didn’t watch it being gone. You’re the expert here and you’ve made some good observations.

By: Warriorfan

Warriorfan — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 04:22:18 +0000

Lets hope so. I know some that were impressed with Dane Keckin when his high school was here in Hawaii for a tourney. I really hope Jennings can come in and take the reigns at the setter spot, would be nice to have a setter with great hands and who is consistent that can also put up a decent block.