Cooper at Notre Dame Predictions (8/18 at 7pm)

Heard this so don't quote me on it...

Katy Smith was outstanding for Cooper in all areas. Setting and ball control much improved over last year. They played with very few errors through game 2 but couldn't maintain that. Strong serving team too.

NDA came out nervous - many players it was their first time on a varsity court at NDA. Big crowd, high expectations. Starting lineup is fluid as Buck tried a few different combinations. Positions that didn't change middle hitters (N. Hardig and Rees) and the setting/hitting tandem of Stephenson/Morgan. The person I talked to said the same about A. Noll (subbed in for Sears in front row) and Montcelliani (subbed in for Draud back row). Nice job off the bench. Pandas are young this year and several times had 3 juniors, 2 sophomores and 1 senior on the floor. Very impressed with the guts they showed and the fight. No backing down after losing pretty handedly in the first two sets.

I am sure these two meet in Region. Long season ahead. Strength of schedule favors the Pandas. Sounded like a heck of a way to start the season.

My other prediction is that we continue to see football coverage 6 days a week as the NKY Prep sports writers don't even know enough to cover a match of this caliber. Unfair to the athletes.