WVB Results

[JonZ]

PennState over Stoney Brook in set 1, 25-13

Weiskircher,setter and Holcomb, libero play entire set. Courney leads with 5 kills. PSU hit.536.

PennState wins set 2, 25-13

After second set, Thelan 6 blocks, Courtney 8 kills, and Holcomb 9 digs to lead PSU. PSU hitting.453
Reed sees first action.

PennState wins set 3, 25-20 and ends match hitting.398. For match, Thelan 9 blocks (16 after 2 matches), Washington hits .667, Courtney 11 kills and Holcomb and Courtney both with 9 digs to lead PSU.

PennState played a 6-2 offense in set 3 and after the set was tied 13-13, they switched back to the 5-1.

 

[ILLINOISLION]

JonZ - Absolutely great to see you are in mid-season form.....you know so many of us really appreciate your updates.....thanks so much!

 

[We Are . . .]

Great info, JonZ. A true freshman walk-on making an impact at libero.

Has the freshman from Serbia made an appearance or do you think she'll redshirt?

 

[BobPSU92]

Jon, it's great to see you back here. Thanks as always for the updates.

 

[tboyer]

Can't read too much into the lineup, this is matches where Rose is getting a look at some young players. BUT it is very nice to see Holcomb playing libero (because it may mean there is real competition for that slot), nice to see both setters playing, and especially nice to see Thelen making noise in the middle.

It's all good!

 

[PSU&Trout]

PennState over Stoney Brook in set 1, 25-13

Weiskircher,setter and Holcomb, libero play entire set. Courney leads with 5 kills. PSU hit.536.

PennState wins set 2, 25-13

After second set, Thelan 6 blocks, Courtney 8 kills, and Holcomb 9 digs to lead PSU. PSU hitting.453
Reed sees first action.

PennState wins set 3, 25-20 and ends match hitting.398. For match, Thelan 9 blocks (16 after 2 matches), Washington hits .667, Courtney 11 kills and Holcomb and Courtney both with 9 digs to lead PSU.

PennState played a 6-2 offense in set 3 and after the set was tied 13-13, they switched back to the 5-1.

reallly appreciate your knowledge and effort. You are the best on the board

 

[PSUSignore]

PennState played a 6-2 offense in set 3 and after the set was tied 13-13, they switched back to the 5-1.

Well that is interesting! As someone that doesn't have BTN Plus I haven't seen them in action yet, I'm really looking forward to the first televised match.

 

[T J]

Well that is interesting! As someone that doesn't have BTN Plus I haven't seen them in action yet, I'm really looking forward to the first televised match.

Decided to spring for BTN Plus, to get more coverage for WVB and Wrestling. Glad I did.

Watched PSU WVB vs Villanova last night. Rose is reloading with lots of new young talent. PSU won all three sets, but Villanova kept it close. So, there is work to be done.

Rose lost 5 great players from last year's National Championship team. He said, tongue firmly in cheek, that four are now playing professionally and one is partying professionally. Clever line. But it indicates the level of talent we need to rebuild for this season.

Early season matches are a great time to really start to understand the character of the team. Coach Rose likes to rotate in his new talent, to test them in their positions, as he looks for ways to combine all the talent, like matching teams of thoroughbred horses.

This team is favored for the NC again this year. But, just like with last season's team, early on, there are plenty of rough edges that need to be honed much sharper. This should come, like it did last year, through a season of experience with the new players. Rose is a master at helping players bring out their best.

A must see game is coming up next weekend, for WVB fans. PSU takes on traditional heavyweight Stanford. It should be a real challenge for PSU.

Win or lose, Rose seems to love these kinds of early mega bouts, to test the mettle of his team. He likes to demonstrate to the team, the level of performance they need to bring to every match.

Should be a very fun season to follow.

Developing...

 

[tgar]

Decided to spring for BTN Plus, to get more coverage for WVB and Wrestlingc. Glad I did.

Watched PSU WVB vs Villanova last night. Rose is reloading with lots of new young talent. PSU won all three sets, but Villanova kept it close. So, there is work to be done.(

Rose lost 5 great players from last year's National Championship team. He said, tongue firmly in cheek, that four are now playing professionally and one is partying professionally. Clever line. But it indicates the level of talent we need to rebuild for this season.

Early season matches are a great time to really start to understand the character of the team. Coach Rose likes to rotate in his new talent, to test them in their positions, as he looks for ways to combine all the talent, like matching teams of thoroughbred horses.

This team is favored for the NC again this year. But, just like with last season's team, early on, there are plenty of rough edges that need to be honed to a fine edge, through a season of experience, with the new players.

A must see game is coming up next weekend, for WVB fans. PSU takes on traditional heavy weight Stanford. Should be a real challenge for PSU.

Win or lose, Rose seems to love these kinds of early mega bouts, to test the mettle of his team and to demonstrate to the team, the level of performance they need to bring to every match.

Should be a very fun season to follow.

Developing...

TJ, Big plus, is this online same as Bigten 2 go? What Womens games are broadcast on Cable/ dish/ direct on BTN?

Thanks, I am on record as saying I can't stand how they push so much to streaming.

 

[T J]

TJ, Big plus, is this online same as Bigten 2 go? What Womens games are broadcast on Cable/ dish/ direct on BTN?

Thanks, I am on record as saying I can't stand how they push so much to streaming.

I'm with you tgar, on your comment about pushing so much streaming to paid online content. We are already paying for the BTN.

Couple things tgar.

BTN Plus is all online, as far as I know.

It is also more likely to have local announcers and/or students in some cases, as I understand it at this point.

Last night's coverage for the Villanova match was good, basic coverage with one announcer. But they didn't have the color commentary and strategy comments you get, like when they have more expert analysts on TV broadcasts.

We can expect the PSU - Stanford match will have a second broadcaster who has lots of volleyball experience, for example.

=====
Regarding the schedule info...

Hope this is helpful for you tgar.

From a resent GoPSUSports release:

http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/w-volley/spec-rel/081715aab.html

Penn State's five matches set to air live on BTN

Stanford 9/5,
Wisconsin 9/23,
Nebraska 10/2,
Illinois 10/9,
Michigan 10/21
will be available online at BTN2go.com free of charge.

PSU's ESPNU match at
Ohio State Wednesday, Oct. 28
will also be available on BTN Plus.

Penn State opens its BTN Plus streaming schedule with its home opener against Buffalo Friday, Aug. 28 at 7 p.m. in Rec Hall.


Penn State Volleyball on BTN Plus (all times ET)

Friday, Aug. 28 vs. Buffalo 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 4 vs. Colorado 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 26 vs. Minnesota 7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 3 vs. Iowa 7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 10 at Northwestern 8 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 16 vs. Indiana 7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 17 vs. Purdue 7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 24 at Michigan State 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 30 vs. Ohio State 5 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 5 at Maryland 7 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 6 at Rutgers 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 11 at Iowa 8 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 14 at Minnesota 8 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 18 vs. Michigan 7 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 21 vs. Maryland 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 25 vs. Northwestern 7 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 28 at Nebraska


Regards...
​

 

[NJLions]

Been watching Penn State volleyball for a long time. Love the new setter and libero. Both are solid. The outside hitters and washington are very good. There is one weak link - Thelen. I watched her play closely at two matches this weekend and she is shaky, not athletic at all. If they don't solve or find the right second middle, they will not win a championship.

 

[T J]

Been watching Penn State volleyball for a long time. Love the new setter and libero. Both are solid. The outside hitters and washington are very good. There is one weak link - Thelen. I watched her play closely at two matches this weekend and she is shaky, not athletic at all. If they don't solve or find the right second middle, they will not win a championship.

Thanks for your inputs NJLions. Hope you continue to post your observations.

Here is a stat from after the Stoneybrook game, that indicates Thelen's early contributions are her blocks.

6-2 So. MB Heidi Thelen, with 9 total blocks, again led the team (she now has 16 blocks in 6 sets).

From DigNittanyVolleyball​

 

[tgar]

Much thanks TJ.

 

[mn78psu83]

I'm with you tgar, on your comment about pushing so much streaming to paid online content. We are already paying for the BTN.

Couple things tgar.

BTN Plus is all online, as far as I know.

It is also more likely to have local announcers and/or students in some cases, as I understand it at this point.

Last night's coverage for the Villanova match was good, basic coverage with one announcer. But they didn't have the color commentary and strategy comments you get, like when they have more expert analysts on TV broadcasts.

We can expect the PSU - Stanford match will have a second broadcaster who has lots of volleyball experience, for example.

=====
Regarding the schedule info...

Hope this is helpful for you tgar.

From a resent GoPSUSports release:

http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/w-volley/spec-rel/081715aab.html

Penn State's five matches set to air live on BTN

Stanford 9/5,
Wisconsin 9/23,
Nebraska 10/2,
Illinois 10/9,
Michigan 10/21
will be available online at BTN2go.com free of charge.

PSU's ESPNU match at
Ohio State Wednesday, Oct. 28
will also be available on BTN Plus.

Penn State opens its BTN Plus streaming schedule with its home opener against Buffalo Friday, Aug. 28 at 7 p.m. in Rec Hall.


Penn State Volleyball on BTN Plus (all times ET)

Friday, Aug. 28 vs. Buffalo 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 4 vs. Colorado 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 26 vs. Minnesota 7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 3 vs. Iowa 7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 10 at Northwestern 8 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 16 vs. Indiana 7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 17 vs. Purdue 7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 24 at Michigan State 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 30 vs. Ohio State 5 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 5 at Maryland 7 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 6 at Rutgers 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 11 at Iowa 8 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 14 at Minnesota 8 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 18 vs. Michigan 7 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 21 vs. Maryland 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 25 vs. Northwestern 7 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 28 at Nebraska


Regards...
​

Nice work TJ. Thank you for the reminder.

 

[NoVa Lion]

Been watching Penn State volleyball for a long time. Love the new setter and libero. Both are solid. The outside hitters and washington are very good. There is one weak link - Thelen. I watched her play closely at two matches this weekend and she is shaky, not athletic at all. If they don't solve or find the right second middle, they will not win a championship.

I was at all 3 matches and have to strongly disagree on Thelen. 19 blocks in 3 matches says it all. They don't go to her often with sets so hard to tell how good she will be as a hitter, but we have plenty of good hitting options so I don't see that as a problem. However, the problems I saw with the team was the passing (not the libero just in general overall) and to a lesser extent setting (which is directly hurt by the below average passing). We hit .325 against 3 opponents that are probably worse than every team in the BIG except Rutgers. I would have expected that number to be MUCH higher. However, below average passing led to average sets and a lot of hits that were not hit at full speed. Overall, pretty much what I expected the first week of the season. Lainey Pierce was in street clothes so I doubt the starting libero is decided on yet. At setter, Weiskircher looked better than Rivera, plus she can hit and block. Biggest weakness overall was serving. We have no one with any kind of dangerous jump serve and yet we had 19 serving errors in 9 sets, 5 each by Washington and Weiskircher.

 

[T J]

Much thanks TJ.

You are very welcome tgar.

 

[Colorado Man]

Thanks for your inputs NJLions. Hope you continue to post your observations.

Here is a stat from after the Stoneybrook game, that indicates Thelen's early contributions are her blocks.

6-2 So. MB Heidi Thelen, with 9 total blocks, again led the team (she now has 16 blocks in 6 sets).

From DigNittanyVolleyball​

She is the new Kati Slay. She won an NC her freshman year - 2010. Great blocker, but not much contribution on offense - except for the final point against Cal. Then she single handily took set 5 from Stanford in the 2013 Regional finals. I'll settle for similar performance from Heidi.

 

[tboyer]

The news from the first weekend is (in order of importance):

1) Holcomb looking good at libero. She is big-time prospect and PSU was lucky to get her at the last minute because the coach she committed to at West Va. left for another job.

A highlight video for Holcomb on this page. I thought very impressive -- versatile, athletic and fundamentally sound. www.dignittanyvolleyball.com/dsl-keeton-holcomb-2015-verbals-to-penn-state/

2) I know the opposition is not B1G caliber, but that is a phenomenal weekend of blocks from Thelen. That can't be bad news. I don't know what's "shaky" about 19 blocks. Remember they have Washington who is one of the top middles in college VB right now. If Thelen is solid defensively she doesn't have to be an offensive machine. What they need from that spot most is D.

3) Apparently Rivera and Weiskircher were both impressive in different ways. Rose may need to figure out how to use them both. Rivera is better defensively and is a lefty so she can do things to a defense. Weiskircher has more experience and is probably more in tune with the hitters.

4) Re tough match against Villanova -- As Rose noted, Villanova is a good program, tough, talented team with good size. Villanova gave last year's PSU team a very tough couple of sets, so it's not surprising at all they pushed them this year. Villanova is probably a lot tougher than Rutgers and Maryland.

 

[T J]

Lots of good inputs guys.

Appreciate all of your observations.

Looking forward to more of your posts this season. Good stuff.

 

[T J]

She is the new Kati Slay. She won an NC her freshman year - 2010. Great blocker, but not much contribution on offense - except for the final point against Cal. Then she single handily took set 5 from Stanford in the 2013 Regional finals. I'll settle for similar performance from Heidi.

Was thinking along those lines too Colorado Man. Glad you posted your thoughts on Slay's development and her growing contributions.

 

[ChiTownLion]

A little surprised to see only two schools from California ranked in the Top 10.

 

[tboyer]

Don't be surprised if Stanford schools the PSU backcourt this weekend. It may not be pretty. A lot of young players and experienced players in new roles.

But is to be expected. They have a lot to learn but, like the last two years, tons of talent and they will get better week by week.

 

[NitneLiun]

After watching two of PSU's matches and two of Stanford's matches it is pretty clear Stanford, even with the loss of Inky, is pretty far ahead of PSU at this point. PSU will do well to take a set from Stanford.

 

[NitneLiun]

She is the new Kati Slay. She won an NC her freshman year - 2010. Great blocker, but not much contribution on offense - except for the final point against Cal. Then she single handily took set 5 from Stanford in the 2013 Regional finals. I'll settle for similar performance from Heidi.

I wouldn't say Thelen is the new Slay. Slay has intimidating size and as a true freshmen took the starting job from a pretty good MH. Having said that, Thelen is much improved from last season as looks far more confident and poised than she did last year. If she can become an offensive threat also, PSU will be unstoppable at the net.