Anyone planning on going? Would love to get a report on who plays on which side. I don't know much at all about the team this year. I know they have a strong sophomore class who I expect to get most of the playing time this year along with All-Conference Senior Setter Allie Sawatzky. I don't see any info about streaming the scrimmage but if anyone finds out please let me know...

This could be an interesting year. Graduated 5 starters, 2 MB, OH, RS and L. The roster mix is somewhat interesting. 16 on the roster, 4-DS/L, 3-S / 3-MB / 6-OH/OPP. Of the 16, 2 are out with no definite return dates, Vaughan a sophomore OH and Graff a RSFR MB. So that only leaves 2 MB and 5 OH/OPP starting the year. Also, Reynolds who after starting strong last year at OH, had some knee issues during the season and finished the season at DS. She had some work done on the knee during the spring. She played some OH during the scrimmage, but doesn't seem to have her front row game back at 100%. So if Reynolds has to move to DS, that only leaves 6 hitters to start the season. 2 MB and 4 OH/OPP.

Two positions are set. MB of course as we have only 2 healthy. Sullivan, who was coming on extremely strong at the end of last year, but suffered a knee injury in the NCAAs against NCS, played well in the scrimmage. Barbers, RSFR will take over the other MB position. Setter is also set with 3 year starter Sawatzky coming back for her senior year. The two backup setters Agre & Shebeneck both played well, so we have a lot of depth at setter, but both will see limited time unless Sawatzky goes down.


On the defensive side, Arenas, Kinley & Reynolds will see most of the L/DS duties. This will be an interesting battle to see who wears the opposite color jersey. Kinley and Reynolds have the experience, but FR Arenas who started school early and got some spring ball experience, is a strong competitor. Will they really give Reynolds a fair shot at L with so few healthy players at OH/OPP. Maybe she works her way back to OH once 100% healthy.

OH/OPP will also be interesting positions to watch. Lowak will start on the outside and Patrick will start on the left or right. The third pin should be Vrana on the left or Hardesty on the right. Hardesty definitely has the length, but didn't show much in the scrimmage. She is only a FR and needs some time to develop. She could be someone we see really come on as the season develops. Lowak, Patrick and Vrana all hit the ball really well and the combination probably gives you the best chance of winning early on. Patrick is the best blocker on the team and will probably see the most time on the right. This could go a long way to fill the hole left by graduating star - Kastmo.

With all the youth, if this team gets some early confidence and starts rolling and can avoid further injuries, this might be a fun season to watch.



[This message has been edited by tamu2 (edited 8/25/2013 2:05a).]

Thanks for the response. I didn't know Vaughn was out with injury. I remember her hitting some on the left side last year and having quite the heavy arm. Looking forward to seeing more of Patrick! Please keep posting throughout the year if you get a chance to attend matches as I'm no longer living in College Station and the reports posted on aggieathletics don't usually give much insight outside of the statistics.

Patrick & Lowack had a great tournament. The middles were spotty, both having very good moments. They will improve and will be very solid this year. Our defense played really well this weekend. The setting was solid as expected.

Corbelli appears not to care about wins early. We had a chance to beat Iowa State, but she stuck with a freshman on the outside who is going to be a good player, but is not ready to be on the court this early. Appears she may be treating this year as a rebuilding year. Not your typical Corbelli way. I think Greene may be running the lineup. Makes you think this may be her last year. I feel for Swatatsky. I know she has to be frustrated. In the 3rd match, she is having to set around a player and back set from clear across the court. She deserves at least a best shot for a NCAA tourament birth, not a rebuilding year.