Shocks @ Drake (Friday) and @UNI (Saturday)

[flyingMoose]

From the first release of the RPI by the NCAA:

42 Shockers
59 Southern Illinois
65 Northern Iowa
67 Missouri State
95 Illinois State


In an earlier Coach's Show, Lambo stated that his goal is to have our out-of-conference opponents have a winning percentage in the low 60%. That would make him feel good about his end-of-season RPI if the Shockers did their part. At that point in time, he had hopes that the winning % for this year might be 64-65%. Currently, it is 60% and would be expected to improve as the conference season progress.

[1972Shocker]

Lambo's Monday Radio Show:

Retooling everything behind the 10 foot line. Said he was going to get more effort from those that have been playing or he would find someone else. Specifically referring to the defensive specialists.

[1972Shocker]

Kara Bown would have red-shirted if Giorgia had not be injured. Kara has medical school in her future plans so she probably is only a 4-year player anyway so probably not really that significant pulling her red-shirt. Kara perhaps the best server of the littles and will get her chance to prove her mettle defensively.

[1972Shocker]

Shockers will probably be more focused on defensive plays for the foreseeable future. He said he believes how the Shockers defense goes is how the Shockers will go.

[flyingMoose]

In reviewing tape (on the bus, even), the blocking (part of the defense) was okay. There is just not enough effort, enough movement, in the back. We need to find some consistency in the next couple of weeks and then leave them alone so they can be comfortable in their spot.

We are getting excellent variety on offense, but he will be asking more of the Tabithas and Mikaelas.

There was not much review of the upcoming matches. He noted that Loyola is in a real club volleyball hotbed, and one of these days they will get to the top of the conference and stay there.

Jody was okay on Saturday, saying it was the best she has felt.

(I found this interesting.) The Shocks have a better road conference record than home. He attributes that to not practicing much in the arena. There is simply not enough room to do the things he wants to do in a practice.

[boyshocker]

I guess with 24 kids practicing there wouldn't be enough room, but hate for that to be the excuse to lose a game.

[1972Shocker]

(I found this interesting.) The Shocks have a better road conference record than home. He attributes that to not practicing much in the arena. There is simply not enough room to do the things he wants to do in a practice.

I have a bit of personal experience with that although in a different sport so I don't know how well it really relates plus it was ages ago. When I played high school varsity basketball in 1966-1968 the City League played most of its games at what was then Henry Levitt Arena. 6 of the 8 teams played a triple-header and each team also matched up with 1 team for a couple games on each others home courts during the season. No girls basketball at WSU or in the City League a that time so 12 dates a year was doable. I was really amazed at how the much larger, circular arena vs a typical small rectangular high school band box your depth perception especially in shooting the basketball. Sure made the rims look smaller. Took a bit of time to adjust especially early in the season. Each team did get to practice at the arena a little bit during the season.

Like I said not sure how that might manifest itself in volleyball. I could see the depth perception being affected some. Perhaps a slightly different air pressure/resistance that might effect the flight of the ball especially on serves. I don't think it is all that big of a deal but it was interesting that Lambo mentioned it.

I suppose one reason practicing on the main court doesn't work out for the Shocks is due to the size of their roster. They probably need two courts set up to keep everyone busy and training.

[boyshocker]

I agree 72, from sitting down near the floor there always seems to be a breeze coming out of the old tunnel. Always wonder if that is why always serve first in that direction?

[flyingMoose]

I guess with 24 kids practicing there wouldn't be enough room, but hate for that to be the excuse to lose a game.

Yeah, this conversation was almost an aside that started somewhere else. And I don't even know if the comments about the record are barely true, radically true, or if it just seems that way. No specific numbers were cited. Well, Mike wouldn't lie to us, so ... :)

[flyingMoose]

Monday Matches

DRAKE 3-0 Illinois State
22, 20, 20

NORTHERN IOWA 3-1 Indiana State

[1972Shocker]

Drake over Illinois State is a bit of a surprise, especially a sweep, although Drake played MSU very tough on Saturday. I have to say Drake looks to me like they have definitely upgraded their talent and size.

Looks like Lambo's wish for 2 or 3 Valley teams to separate is already out the door for this year. Other than Evansville it looks to me like the Valley may have about as good of parity as they have ever had.