Wow. I have to give it KSU but losing their top hitter and fighting back is really impressive.
However, the match showed some troubling stats. Tori Mellinger had 7 kills and 7 errors. Interestingly enough, she had more digs than the libero and everyone on the team. I really am impressed with how strong of a leader Mellinger is but why is she not Libero? I really hope next year they move her back with the new hopefuls coming in...Angela Lowak and Sierra Patrick are having some great playoff runs but they'll be pretty raw so maybe Reynolds or Vrana will be in.
It is puzzling as to why Mellinger and Ringel are averaging about the same amount hitting/kill wise and Tori is more preferable hitter. Tori Mellinger could easily contribute so much as the libero.
Chelsea also puts up a more intimidating block, but major kudos to Tori Mellinger for her 2 solo blocks!
I also am curious to know why Minnerly went in for Hendrickson so late in the sets. Fatigue or what? I know that Minnerly is one of the best blockers (led last year) but she also had her left arm wrapped.
Also, I love Sawatzky but why so many attempts?

Not to act like a volleyball know-it-all and I trust Corbelli's experience but these are just general questions I have that maybe could be answered.

If Pendergrast serve recieve is on...which is a hit or miss then having Mellanger at OH is fine because it gives two strong liberos defensively plus black on back row at all times. If Ringel was more offensive and stats showed she had to be on the court then I may move Mellanger to libero and Pendegrast to RS defense in place of Grace but not gonna happen this year. Regardless of who is put at OH2 position any offensive production that exceeds .100 hitting will be a much desired benefit. As for Minnerly she has become a defensive front row replacement because Henricksen hasnt closed blocks that is much needed and Minnerly can. The setter takes too many offensive swings IMO and should focus on set placement but having a 6'2'' lefty will help down the road but her hitting is predictable right now but with a year of practice her offense could be very beneficial as she has some dump shots that work well even if she uses them a bit too much.

The OH's left on bench for next year will not be the answer for either OH2 or replacing Black next year. We will have to rely on freshman or transfers along with Mellanger

I wrote this in a different thread in order of importance for the second half of play in the BIg 12

IMO key matches in order for second half:

K-St on road................LOSS
Missouri at home
Baylor on road
Texas at home
Oklahoma on road
Kansas at home..............WIN
Tech at home................WIN
Iowa State on road

We lost a very important game at KSt but then next two matches are next two most important to get thrid or tie for third in conference

[This message has been edited by Wicked Good Ag (edited 11/6/2011 8:57a).]

I just hate seeing Mellinger so frustrated but she pushes herself so hard for the team and I love that about her. Not saying the others don't but Tori is exceptional. I have still yet to see Heather Reynolds play and am wondering if she would become a potential starter if she had more time on the court. A&M's future is looking bright though with the 2012 recruits coming in. Are there any transfers coming in next year? It's been pretty depressing to see Cynthia Roberto not even get a chance due to injury.