Portalnd NIKE Invitational

[1972Shocker]

http://www.goshockers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=7500&ATCLID=209250885

Utah State and Portland on Friday and Fresno State on Saturday.

I was not aware until I heard the news on Saturday that Jeff Sanders did not accompany the team to the Utah Valley Tournament last weekend. Not sure how much Jeff's absence effected the team but at the very least the normal routine of how the Shocks about their business was affected.

Utah State defeated UNI 3-1 last weekend and lost to Utah (who also beat UNI) in 5 sets. They look to be our toughest challenge at mid-day tomorrow. So between missing Coach Sanders and playing at 10:30am PDT (12:30pm CDT) the Shocks will have their hands full in that first match of the Tournament.

Looks like live video is available.

[1972Shocker]

Dani Mostrom starting at Libero. So I guess Alyssa Carney won't go 4 years without taking he Libero jersey off. Jordan Hinkle also in the starting lineup on the back row.

[1972Shocker]

One of Utah State's football players has wandered onto the court.

[WuDrWu]

Certainly at least the 2nd best team we've played this year. 10-9 Aggies.

[WuDrWu]

We're just not very good in the back row right now. Not discounting the talent of USU but we just haven't dug a lot of balls so far this year.

And I'm with @1972Shocker:, not having Jeff Sanders is affecting our defense, and overall preparedness.

15-14 USU. The Shocks are hitting .409....normally that's good for about a 18-12 lead at this point in the game.

[1972Shocker]

10-Point game.

[WuDrWu]

Something we'll be most of the season.....Shocks have a BIG advantage at setter. It's the difference right now. Timeout Aggies 19-16 Shocks.

[1972Shocker]

5-Point Game.

[WuDrWu]

A couple of points that could have gone either way, both to USU and they'll come out of the timeout serving, tied at 20. There was a great opportunity to put away the first set. Now it's a crap shoot.

[WuDrWu]

22-22

[WuDrWu]

25-23 Aggies.

[WuDrWu]

I think this is a bit of a gut check for the Shocks. This is a good but by no means great USU team. They need this set right now.

[flyingMoose]

25-23 Aggies.

Some pretty amazing digs by the Aggies appeared to be the difference in this one. On one occasion, the defender kept the ball up with her face.

[flyingMoose]

Dani Mostrom starting at Libero. So I guess Alyssa Carney won't go 4 years without taking he Libero jersey off. Jordan Hinkle also in the starting lineup on the back row.

Knowing how stat-driven Lambo is, I would guess Alyssa did not have a good week in the gym.

[WuDrWu]

Shocks digging and passing better in this set, and being helped by some poor serving by the Aggies, and lead 19-15.