Shockers Set to Open Conference Play

[ShockTalk]

Cincy wins set one 25-17. Contained Thompson pretty well. Mostly we best ourselves.

25-12 Cincy in set 2.

Shocks switch to a 5-1 in Set 3. Had it tied at 20-20 before losing 22-25. Match point was a service error no Sina that I thought clipped the end line.

Cincy clearly the better team.

The Shocks are just not very good. I expect we will be seeing more of the 5-1.

I was glad to see the Shocks come back with some fight and better play after that disastrous 2nd set.

[1972Shocker]

Jordan Thompson was as terrific as expected. However, her supporting cast was not bad either. Thompson was 18--3-35 = .429 which is really good for an outside hitter. Cincy only played 7 other players including their libero and a defensive specialist who had not kill attempts. The other 5 players combined to to hit 30-3-61 = 0.377 which is quite good.

Thompson is a senior, thankfully, but the other 7 Bearcats that played consisted of 5 sophomores (one a redshirt) and 2 freshmen. Cincy is quite young.

The Shockers had 2 seniors and 3 juniors who played significant roles today. So arguably Cincy is a younger team than the Shocks. Interestingly, when the Shocks went to the 5-1 offense in the 3rd set where they were most effective they got younger as they sat both of their seniors.

The Shocks probably aren't there quite yet but at some point Lambo may have to dole out paying time based on what provides the most benefit in getting players ready for next year and beyond.

[flyingMoose]

Jordan ... Thompson was 18--3-35 = .429

Two of her errors were block assists by Brooke - that is, two were up but Brooke provided the "muscle." Lambo made a recent comment about Brooke being the best read-blocker on the Shockers.